AN innovative approach to treating non-emergency patients who visit A&E will be pioneered at Northwick Park Hospital.

NHS Nu-Care will involve, for the first time, a fully integrated team of health professionals from hospital, primary and community services working together to provide treatment, advice and on-the-spot care during after-hours.

The one year 'Exemplar' pilot, which will be introduced in April, has received £1.7 million in funding and will be closely monitored by the Department of Health and other NHS organisations.

If successful, the scheme could be extended to other NHS hospitals.

Project director Eddie Jahn explained: "For the first time, GPs, primary care nurse practitioners, emergency nurse practitioners and hospital doctors will be working as one team in a hospital setting.

"Their aim is to give help, advice and treatment to people quickly. Self-help literature will be readily available and the team will have access to equipment and materials for rapid, simple treatment. Patients will be seen by the most appropriately skilled professional."

Patients coming into the A&E between 7pm and 8am during the week and all weekend will be assessed by a member of the Nu-Care team. They may receive treatment or advice, or be referred to A&E for urgent care if they need it.