The innovative unit, which opened as a pilot in September, is already proving to be making a positive difference to the care of frail and elderly patients.
Dr Swords, who previously served as The QEH’s Medical Director, stressed the importance of this initiative for both patients and the healthcare system. She said: “Maintaining independence and preventing unnecessary admissions is critical.
Dr Swords (pictured right) praised the dedication of the hospital’s staff and the positive impact the new service is having on patients. During her visit, she had the opportunity to meet some of the patients benefiting from the service and expressed her admiration for the team behind the initiative.
“Anything that helps our patients stay in their own homes and remain active for as long as possible is a huge win. This new service at QEH is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to meet the challenges of an aging population and is a part of a broad range of work underway to support our residents to age well.”
The Frailty SDEC Unit, led by Dr Katie Honney, Clinical Director for Integrated Care of Older People, provides thorough assessments for older patients who are frail. The unit’s focus is on identifying any health and wellbeing issues early, starting treatment promptly, and clearly communicating plans to patients and their carers. A dedicated team of experts in frailty care work together to make sure each patient receives the right care, at the right time, helping them stay independent for as long as possible.
Dr Honney said: “As our population continues to age, we are seeing more people living with frailty and complex health conditions. This places greater demand on our healthcare services. The Frailty SDEC model allows us to meet this demand more effectively, ensuring frail patients receive the care they need earlier and are able to return to their own homes as quickly as possible.”
This approach aligns with NHS England’s best practice guidelines and is expected to significantly improve patient recovery, reduce hospital bed occupancy, and enhance overall wellbeing.
In addition to offering patients more timely care, the unit aims to avoid unnecessary overnight stays, preventing frail patients from requiring hospital admissions unless essential. The unit also helps ease pressure on the Emergency Department by reducing waiting times for beds.
With the growing number of elderly patients, the Frailty SDEC unit is poised to make a real difference in how The QEH cares for these vulnerable patients. By streamlining care and providing a quicker path to recovery, the service is expected to improve outcomes for patients while also helping to relieve the strain on hospital resources.
Ends.
Notes to editors:
The Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System’s (ICS) mission is to help the people of Norfolk and Waveney to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. The ICS has published a clinical strategy: Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System Ageing Well Strategic Framework
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