Lombardy manages seasonal influences with HotSpots

The hospital in Carate Brianza (Province of Monza and Brianza) has been designated as one of the ‘Infectious HotSpots’ in Lombardy, which are being launched on an experimental basis to improve the management of viral respiratory syndromes during the winter months. This new initiative represents a pioneering concept within the primary care sector, offering local communities a vital source of support outside of standard opening hours for general practitioners (GP). The service is not a direct-access one; rather, it will be available between 8 p.m. and midnight, every day of the week, via a dedicated telephone number. GP will evaluate the necessity of directing patients (aged 6 and over with respiratory syndromes) to the nearest designated “hot spot” via telephone. These entities will become available by mid-December at Continuity of Care facilities, Community Homes, or dedicated spaces within hospitals. In the region, approximately 500 GP and 270 Continuity of Care physicians have subscribed to this initiative. ‘Infection HotSpots’ will be deployed to allow for the assessment and direct assistance of patients in the vicinity, enhancing the suitability of emergency room access and preventing overcrowding for ailments that do not necessitate hospitalization.