AMBER care bundle
What is the AMBER care bundle?
The AMBER care bundle was developed as a national tool by Guys and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in 2010 (updated 2016) and adopted by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust in recognition of its evidence-based practice. It aims to improve ‘the quality of care for people whose potential for recovery is uncertain.’
The AMBER care bundle is a communication tool which supports open and honest discussion between the hospital doctors, nurses, the patient and their family, carers or friends (with the patient’s permission) and ensures that conversations and decisions around treatment and future care planning are fully discussed and documented.
Who is the AMBER care bundle for?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, treatments do not give the results we would hope for, and a person’s recovery may be uncertain. When we are concerned about this, the AMBER care bundle can help to make sure that all our staff know about the patient’s condition and are working together to give the best possible care and support.
Some people in this situation may recover from their current illness, however, others may not respond to treatment and further discussions and steps may be needed.
The AMBER care bundle is not about stopping treatments but aims to keep the patient and their relatives or carers up to date with what is happening. It ensures that staff talk to patients and those close to them about treatment options and where they want to be cared for so that patients are being treated with the most dignity and respect.
What does the AMBER care bundle mean for me?
If you are being supported by the AMBER care bundle, we will monitor you closely and on a daily basis. This will allow us to respond quickly to any changes in your condition.
We will keep you up to date with any changes in your condition and your treatment, so you can be actively involved in your care.
You will also be given the opportunity to discuss how and where you would like to be cared for in the future. You can talk to us about any other wishes or concerns you have.
With your permission, we can also include your family, carers or friends in these discussions, and make sure they are updated regularly.
Information for your care and treatment plan
Your wishes and plans are important to us, so your team will support you with future care planning. This involves you and the team creating a medical plan around your preferences for care and treatment.
We will also agree a plan for your care in the event that your condition deteriorates. Should you condition improve you will be removed from the AMBER care bundle and we will continue to support future care planning for when you leave hospital.