County Hospital Frailty Assessment Unit celebrates second anniversary
A specialist service helping older patients receive the right care sooner is celebrating its second anniversary at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
The Frailty Assessment Unit (FAU) at County Hospital, Stafford, opened in November 2024 to provide specialist care for patients aged over 75 attending the Emergency Department.
The consultant-led service brings together doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and social care colleagues to assess patients' individual needs and identify the right support as early as possible helping people return home safely where possible.
The team sees around 18 patients a day and works closely with community services and UHNM's Virtual Wards service to support patients after they leave hospital.
Dr Alice Holt, emergency medical consultant, said: "We have a multidisciplinary team including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians which is absolutely integral to the service."
"On average we see around 18 patients a day and continue to prevent unnecessary admissions wherever possible, including through the use of our Virtual Ward service.
"We've got a really strong team and everybody supports each other and pulls together for the good of the patients. The feedback we've had from both staff and patients has been incredible, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the last two years."
Heather Moore, advanced occupational therapist, said: "Our main aim is getting people home the same day when we can, and making sure we do that safely and sustainably so they're not coming back into hospital again.
"We look at what support people need, whether that's equipment, care packages or help with day-to-day activities and make sure they're comfortable and well while they're here.
"I absolutely love working here, the team are amazing and really supportive. Everyone is committed and on the same page and we always put the patient first in everything we do.
"Patients are seen as people, not as numbers or targets, and for me that's the most important thing."
The unit's achievements have also attracted national recognition, with the NHS Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme praising the team's patient-centred approach, strong teamwork and innovative model of care during a recent visit. The FAU was also recently shortlisted for the Parliamentary Pathfinder NHS Innovation Adoption Awards.
The service has received positive feedback from patients and families, with comments highlighting the team's kindness, compassion and person-centred approach.
Claire Hopley, workstream management lead for the County Strategic Programme, said: "Two years after implementation the Frailty Assessment Unit's success is testament to our dedicated multidisciplinary team, who designed a service around local needs to ensure patients receive the right care, first time, in the right place."