SEL ICB (Bexley) Primary Care Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Hub

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) hubs are a recognised NHS England model used across England to support the assessment and treatment of respiratory illness and to reduce pressure on emergency departments, urgent treatment centres and general practice. The proposed Bexley model reflects an established primary care-led approach that has operated within the borough over successive winter periods and is consistent with nationally recognised ARI hub delivery models.

Key service objectives and outcomes

• Provide additional same-day urgent primary care capacity for Bexley residents with ARI-type presentations during winter pressure.

• Provide a clinically safe alternative pathway for people who can appropriately be managed in primary care, while maintaining clear escalation routes for patients requiring urgent or emergency treatment.

• Support timely access for adults and children referred by Bexley general practice and NHS 111.

• Support resilience across Bexley general practice and the wider urgent and emergency care system.

• Deliver equitable access, with operational monitoring to identify and respond to variation in referral, utilisation and outcomes across patient groups and localities.

• Maintain effective integration with general practice, NHS 111, urgent treatment and secondary care pathways.

The provider is expected to demonstrate a proven track record in delivering an acute respiratory infection service or a similar service for a minimum of three years in South East London, with prior experience in meeting the key objectives and service requirements as outlined.