New specialist unit for elderly patients trialled at Royal Preston Hospital

The new Acute Frailty Assessment Unit aims to cater for frail patients and make sure staff have the right specialist skills and equipment to deliver tailored care to them.

The unit will provide specialist training in areas such as falls and pressure ulcer prevention, to help to get elderly and frail patients the care they need to return home or to care in the community.

Catherine Silcock, Deputy Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Director at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Acute Frailty Assessment Unit has been in development for a while, so it is incredible to see this become a reality.

"To have a specific department that looks after the needs of one of our most vulnerable cohorts of patients is vital to us, so this is a pivotal moment for change.

"The entire frailty team has been outstanding, and I am blown away by their commitment and dedication in setting up such an important service. While we are still in the initial trial stages, we are confident that the unit will become a staple in our long list of specialist services."

As part of the trial, the Acute Frailty Assessment team will be measuring the outcomes of the unit to see what difference it will make to avoiding admissions, the length of hospital stay and the patient experience.

Karen Partington, Chief Executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having visited the new Acute Frailty Assessment Unit, I am so impressed with the work that has gone into developing this project.

"The entire team should be incredibly proud of themselves for providing a dedicated service for one of our most vulnerable patient groups.

"It’s great to see that we are leading the way in another specialist area, both in the outstanding care for patients and the specialist training for staff we are now able to provide. Well done and thank you to everyone involved.”