The Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) is an intermediate service that allows for a greater level of clinical expertise in assessing a patient than might normally be expected of a referring clinician. This expertise should be used to ensure that patients are directed efficiently and effectively into the most appropriate onward care pathway.

The ELMS CAS involves patients receiving a clinical triage call following an initial assessment via NHS111/ 111 online or 999. Examples of when your case will be referred to CAS might include, if the initial assessment indicates:

-              a low acuity ambulance (category 3 and 4) may be needed

-              there may be a need to attend your local Emergency Department

-              you may need an urgent face to face appointment

Your case will be digitally transferred to a clinical assessor for an enhanced clinical assessment.

CAS is staffed by clinicians such as senior nurses, pharmacists and GPs. In most instances, after speaking over the phone directly with a clinician, patients are reassured about the best service to access for support. CAS staff can issue prescriptions which can be sent and picked up from a community pharmacy.

CAS also offers support to health professionals, for example paramedics who are on the scene, who need help to decide where to transfer a patient or if they need to seek advice and guidance on any treatment that could be provided straight away.