Medical equipment, treatments and advanced medication are being brought to household doors to reduce the amount of people needed to visit hospitals.

Expert teams of emergency medics combined of London’s Air Ambulance, London Ambulance Service and Barts Health NHS Trust have expanded their works under the Physician Response Unit to bring medical treatments to people’s doors.

The service responds to 999 calls and treats patients in their homes who would otherwise have often required an ambulance transfer to hospital.

It first started in 2001 with the Barts Health NHS TRust, and the model was since implemented across the UK with similar services.

Since April 6, the service has been operating with two cars and has extended its run from 8.30am to 11pm each day.

This is expected to free up hospital beds at the Royal London, Whipps Cross and Newham hospitals, and reduce the risk for vulnerable patients who would require treatment.

Hospitals can now issue early discharges and prevent an infection of Covid-19 to at risk patients, as they still continue to get a form of treatment through the Physicians Response Unit.

The unit is also offering assistance to the London Ambulance Service to help with transfer of unwell Covid-19 patients to the NHS Nightingale Hospital.

Dr Tony Joy, a lead clinician for the Physician Response Unit, said: “The Physician Response Unit is proud to be expanding our service and stepping up at this critical time.

“By taking the Emergency Department to the patient in their home we can ensure they get the right care fast, while also reducing risk and keeping hospital beds free for those who really need them.

“The launch of a second car is a huge step forward for the PRU, allowing us to cover more hours of the day, delivering safe and effective emergency care in the community at this extremely challenging time.

“This is another way in which the NHS is ensuring it is still open for business and there for everyone during this pandemic, and while Londoners are responding to advice on staying at home, they should still seek NHS medical help when they need it.”

Jonathan Jenkins, the chief executive of London’s Air Ambulance Charity said: “At a time when NHS staff are working round the clock it is humbling to see blue light services pulling together, and the expanded Physician Response Unit is vital in terms of bringing the Emergency Department to the patient and helping the wider system respond to the Covid-19 challenge.”

“It is down to the unwavering hard work and determination of Tony Joy, Bill Leaning, and everyone at the PRU that we are able to expand the service in this crucial way, and at this crucial time, and they should be incredibly proud.”