National acclaim for project to give frail patients special care

Recognition: NHS in Fife brings experts together to improve treatment

A unique project to help get frail patients get the best treatment and avoid long hospital stays has garnered national recognition.

NHS Fife’s frailty project, a first north of the border, got top billing at the NHS Scotland Event 2017, which took place at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

The frailty assessment service at the Victoria Hospital brings together staff across a number of areas.

Specialist consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers work closely to identify the issue in patients at the earliest opportunity.

They can then make sure they are given the right treatment in the best place.

The team also meets twice a day to evaluate patients’ progress and consider their treatment.

The team’s work was showcased to hundreds of delegates at the event.

NHS Fife older people nurse consultant Joy Reid has been at the forefront of the changes. She said: “People are generally living longer and we continue to see growing numbers of elderly patients, many of whom are likely to be affected by the condition.

“Frail patients tend to stay in hospital for longer periods and we know from research that the longer you stay in hospital, the less positive the outcome is.

“By working closely with colleagues in social care, it is ensuring patients get the right treatment in the right place and at the right time.

“This means they are often able to be discharged sooner, if this is appropriate, and avoid unnecessary admission into hospital.

“Patients do not want to be in hospital longer than they need to be, so not only are they getting the most appropriate treatment, they are also more likely to receive this in the comfort of their own home.”

Chief operating officer for acute services, Professor Scott McLean, added: “We are really proud of our approach to frailty and are delighted it has once again come to national prominence.

“Changes were originally introduced towards the end of 2015 as part of a wider redesign of acute care and they have made a real difference to the experiences of our frailer patients.

“Hopefully, by showcasing our work, other organisations can take inspiration and make positive improvements.”

“we are really proudofour approach to frailty and are delighted it has come to national prominence