Aim To develop an education and partnership programme between the trust and nursing home staff in Northern Ireland.

Methods Twenty care home nurse champions participated in a bespoke Responsive Education and Collaborative Health programme provided by the trust. The trust’s practice development facilitator supported care home staff to develop clinical competencies while observing residents’ emergency department (ED) attendance trends.

Results After introduction of the programme, avoidable ED attendances were reduced by 31% (n=309) compared with the previous year, cost per capita was reduced by £314,340, reliance on community nursing was reduced, and the health and experience of the care home population were improved.

Conclusion ED attendances and reliance on community nursing reduced, identifying a compelling need for continuing partnership, training and facilitation between the trust and independent sector.