Merton Rapid Response is a prevention of admission service that visits patients at home, to assess and provide treatment to prevent an unnecessary admission to hospital.

We are a multi-disciplinary team that consists of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

We can assess patients within two hours of the referral and can provide nursing and therapy input.

Merton GPs, out of hours doctors, London Ambulance Service (LAS), district nurses, specialist nurses, A+E, acute medical assessment unit, care homes and nursing homes.

Categories of patients accepted 

The team will consider referrals typically from the following groups after a clinical discussion:

  • patients not requiring conveyance or not wishing to be conveyed 
  • physically unable to visit a GP practice or unable to get a response from a GP 
  • a short-term minor illness, injury or problem causing a reduction in mobility or decreased ability to cope at home. Examples include: urinary tract infection, chest infection, diarrhoea and vomiting, blocked catheter. 
  • exacerbation of chronic disease but not requiring conveyance 
  • end of life care, palliative crisis care or urgent need. 

Exclusion criteria

We will assess each referral on an individual basis but our exclusions are: 

  • acutely unstable patients requiring hospital admission 
  • where it is clear that even with support, the patient would be unsafe to live at home 
  • sudden, acute abdominal pain, cardiac associated chest pain, severe difficulty in breathing 
  • head injury 
  • concerns regarding diabetes management 
  • patients with uncontrollable pain
  • acutely unstable mental health diagnosis  
  • alcohol or substance abuse or intoxication
  • non-compliant patient or recently self-discharged 
  • social care 
  • patients not consenting to visit

  • Phone: 0333 004 7555 and select option 2
  • All referrals must be made verbally
  • Written/email referrals not accepted

Patients are seen in their own homes.

Opening hours:

  • 8am-8pm every day, including weekends and public holidays