New health service for older people in South West Essex

2012-06-14 10:12:00

Older people in South West Essex will avoid unnecessary hospital appointments and hospital admissions following the launch of a new service.

The weekly Older Person’s Assessment Clinic service at Brentwood Community Hospital will treat and care for the elderly population with long term conditions, so they can stay in their own homes.

Geraldine Rodgers, Nurse Consultant for Adults and Older People, South West Essex Community Services, runs the integrated service, which offers patients  various different health checks at the same time in the one place, avoiding many separate hospital appointments.

The Older Person’s Assessment Clinic, commissioned by NHS South Essex, offers:

• Multi-disciplinary assessments including therapists and social care where required
• Access to diagnostic and pathology testing with results available the same day whenever possible
• Initiation of treatment where appropriate
• Holistic care planning to enable care to be provided outside of an acute hospital

Geraldine Rodgers said: “The previous services have been redesigned to deliver a model of care that promotes wellbeing, is responsive to the planned and unplanned health needs of local people, and to build a service that can address the needs of an increasingly elderly population with long term conditions.

“The Older Person’s Assessment Clinic will deliver a comprehensive assessment and treatment service, providing support and information for patients, relatives and carers.”

The Older Person’s Assessment Clinic service is supported by the local Clinical Commissioning Group and will work closely with other services including community services, primary care, South Essex Partnership Trust (SEPT), social care and the voluntary sector.

NHS South Essex said: “We have worked closely with the team to develop and commission a multi-disciplinary approach for older people at Brentwood Community Hospital within the Day Unit.  Our aim is to support them and their families and to avoid unnecessary hospital attendances and admissions.”

Diane Searle, Interim Director of Nursing for South West Essex Community Services, said: “This nurse-led service is an exciting opportunity to work with our patients and partners to ensure the right care is provided in the right place nearer to patient’s homes.”

Geraldine added: “Feedback on the service from patients has been very positive with many stating they felt their assessments are very thorough - rather like an MOT. Patients found this approach both helpful and reassuring, and a valued addition to their interface with the NHS.”

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