We’ve reopened our Frailty Unit at King George Hospital to provide patients with fast access to medical teams specialising in caring for older or frail people.

NHS workers in the community, such as GPs, community nurses and ambulance services can refer a patient directly into the unit which brings together experts from a range of clinical teams including a consultant geriatrician and specialist frailty nurses.

This will mean patients no longer having to wait in our busy Emergency Departments.

The unit’s environment has been designed to suit the specific needs of frail and older patients, including recliner chairs for those able to sit, which is often easier and more comfortable for patients who are frail and means they can stay in their own clothes.

The aim of the unit is for patients to promptly get the care they need so wherever possible, they can go home the same day, reducing the time spent in hospital.

For older and frail patients, a long stay in hospital can carry additional risks as patients do not move as much and can’t follow their usual routine. The team in the Frailty Unity will work in partnership with community teams to arrange any on-going care needed from the patient’s home.

However, if a patient is too unwell to go home the same day, the team can arrange a bed for the patient in one of our care of the elderly wards.

Dr Madga Smith, Chief Medical Officer, said: “The Frailty Unit is another step in improving the care we provide for older and frail people. Ensuring that patients have fast access to geriatricians and specialist frailty nurses means they are receiving prompt care from experts.

“Working closely with our healthcare partners in the community will also help avoid unnecessary stays in hospital and enable more patients to continue their care in the comfort of their own homes.”