Our patients will be able to benefit from a purpose-built Frailty Short Stay Unit this winter.
We have received an investment of £400,000 from the Department of Health and Social Care to support us to improve patient experience for those accessing our frailty services.
The Frailty Short Stay Unit, an expansion of the current Frailty Assessment Unit, will be situated in the new Medical and Surgical Assessment Centre which is to be completed later this year (December 2020). The new Medical and Surgical Assessment Centre will be a two-storey extension adjacent to the emergency department (ED) at the front of the hospital and next to Charnley Ward. This will improve the facilities available for our patients ahead of the completion of the new hospital.
A project team has been established to lead and manage the build and development of the new unit. This is a fantastic recruitment opportunity for people across a range of healthcare professions to join an amazing organisation and be part of our plans for a new hospital. Recruitment has begun for the medical posts, with further advertisements due to be issued over the coming weeks.
The Frailty Assessment Unit is an integral part of the hospital, providing care for frail patients, generally those aged 75 years of age and above. The multidisciplinary team is led by a consultant and includes doctors and specialist nurses, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a pharmacist and social worker, with access to other relevant healthcare providers.
They support the health and wellbeing of patients by avoiding unnecessary admission to hospital and ensuring a shorter stay for those who are admitted. Patients who are seen in the Frailty Assessment Unit will benefit from rapid assessment and treatment and in most cases, are discharged home on the same day.
Stephanie Lawton, chief operating officer, said: “This funding will enable us to expand our Frailty Assessment Unit at The Princess Alexandra Hospital for the winter, when we expect to see an increase in demand for our services.
“This is a great development for our patients and will support and enhance our frailty services, both in the hospital and across the health system. We are working jointly with primary care, health, social care and ambulance colleagues to improve patient experience.
“This work is extremely important for the health and wellbeing of our patients and to enhance patient flow through the hospital.”