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Single Point of Access (Bedfordshire)

SPoA is the coordination centre for adult services within Bedfordshire Community Health Services. This centre is accessed via a single number, which is where the name SPoA comes from; it stands for ‘Single Point of Access’.

SPoA provides customer service and information for service users, family, carers and healthcare professionals.

Who can use the service?
If you or a loved one is accessing any of the services listed below, and you need to raise a query or get in contact with a Bedfordshire Community Health Services, please use the SPoA number, where a trained call handler will be happy to help.

SPoA is also available to healthcare professionals.

Address

Queensborough House
Friars Walk
Dunstable
LU6 3JA
United Kingdom

Opening hours
24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Email address
SinglePoint.OfContact@nhs.net
Telephone number
(0345) 602 4064

SPoA is able to handle calls for all the following adult services:

  • Community Nurses– housebound patients, wounds, pressure sores, pressure-relieving equipment, catheters (adults)
  • Occupational Therapists (OTs)- equipment around the house e.g. grab rails, shower assessments, transfers
  • Physiotherapy– functional rehabilitation, walkers & walking sticks, mobility help
  • Intermediate Care (IMC)- meal preparation, washing/dressing, rehabilitation and enablement
  • Matrons- long-term chronic illnesses (adults)
  • Special Palliative Care- emotional and physical support and care for those with life-limiting illnesses

 

 

  • Unplanned Care- emergency care needed for no longer than 72 hours in the community (out-of-hours service)
  • Tissue Viability (Wound Care)
  • Phlebotomy
  • Continence
  • Community Beds- inpatient rehabilitation beds
  • Neuro Rehab/Stroke
  • Warfarin – Bedford only
  • Heart Failure
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Complex Care
  • Neurological Conditions – Including Parkinson’s, MS Service and Epilepsy
  • Podiatry – Paediatric calls are also handled.
  • Chronic Fatigue Service

Our expert team of call-handlers can help with information, contacting services, appointment information, updating patient details and referrals.

They can also assess the needs of patients and how urgently they need help. If urgent help is needed, our call handlers have quick and direct access to highly qualified nurses who can rapidly assess the patient’s needs and act on these as required

Yes, and we welcome this. If you or a loved one has used the SPoA service in the last six months and would like to feedback your experience or get involved in developing it, please don’t hesitate to contact our People Participation team using this email address:
Elft.bchspeopleparticipation@nhs.net
 
We always welcome feedback at the end of calls and the team have a set template to give service users a platform to have their say.