Older and vulnerable patients are given ‘health MOTs’ at the entrance to the emergency department to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
The approach could be a ‘lifeline’ for many patients, allowing them to be assessed and supported more quickly, NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said.
The approach, which will be set out in her speech today at the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester, will focus on patients over the age of 65 or those with frailty-related conditions.
Ms Pritchard is expected to say: ‘With rising demand for care, it is vital that we continue to adapt our services to meet the growing and changing needs of patients – and that is why, as part of our urgent and disaster recovery plan, have asked NHS hospitals to take practical steps to ensure older people get the care and support they need.”
NHS England estimates that around a million people over the age of 75 are admitted to hospital every year, a fifth of whom are very vulnerable.
It is hoped that this move will allow more patients to be assessed, treated and discharged home on the same day, eliminating the need for an overnight stay.
The tests, which will last ten hours a day, seven days a week, will check blood pressure, heart health and mobility, as well as malnutrition.
NHS staff will also look at a patient’s breathing and falling data.
Based on the results, patients are referred to specialist care, such as autumn care and dementia support.
It is hoped that this measure will allow more patients to be assessed, treated and discharged home on the same day, eliminating the need for an overnight stay.
Ms Pritchard will add: ‘While some people may require admission, this is not always the most appropriate setting for the needs of older patients and they too can quickly lose mobility during their hospital stay.
‘Health MOTs at the front door of the emergency department for the elderly can be a lifeline for many. From blood pressure tests to a review of their fall history, these checks ensure patients can be quickly assessed and referred to the right support for their needs.”
Half of admitted frail elderly patients experience functional decline between admission and discharge, and up to 50 percent of elderly patients may become incontinent within 48 hours of admission.
In the first week in the hospital, patients can see their muscle strength decrease by as much as 10 percent and their circulation decrease by as much as 25 percent.
Sir Julian Hartley, CEO of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said: ‘Half of hospital patients over the age of 65 are affected by frailty and the growing number of people with frailty will have a significant impact on future health and care services .
‘Community healthcare services are leading the way in innovative care for people with frailty and supporting them to continue to live well in their own homes, with some trusts already offering front door frailty services within hospitals.
‘But too many vulnerable people who need well-planned, shared care are still not getting the support they need.
‘National policymakers must support trusts and local healthcare partners with greater investment and resources in the community to ensure patients can get the right care in the right place at the right time.’
Ms Pritchard is also expected to provide additional support to patients admitted to hospital in an effort to prevent them from deteriorating.
Hospitals across the country are already trying to address this deconditioning, prevent harm to patients and improve their outcomes, all while having fun.
Examples include chair exercises such as yoga, ‘race track’ routes on wards, static pedals for patients on dialysis, or pedometers in care homes that allow residents to take virtual walks along the seafront.
The NHS England Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan published last month includes financial incentives for hospitals that do not keep patients waiting in A&E for 12 hours or more.
The NHS will also expand the use of virtual wards in a bid to free up space in emergency departments.