A new Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions in frail and elderly patients has opened at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).

The UHNM has said that the service will treat patients over the age of 75 who attend the Emergency Department (ED), to ensure they receive appropriate and timely care, and they can return home at the earliest opportunity. 

The SDEC was initially introduced as part of a two-week trial at the Royal Stoke University Hospital where it helped more than 90 per cent of the patients it saw return home on the same day, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and improving patient flow through the ED. 

In the first 11 full days, staff from the unit assessed more than 80 patients, with only eight requiring admission for ongoing inpatient care.  

Hazel Davey, lead advanced nurse practitioner for frailty, said: "Since the Frailty SDEC opened last month, we've been able to see patients much faster, completing assessments and investigations within an hour. 

"Most can then safely return home with the support they need, which is exactly where they want to be. 

"Being able to carry out assessments immediately on arrival is helping reduce ambulance handover delays and avoid long waits on trolleys. 

"Feedback from patients and their loved ones has been fantastic, saying they value the calmer environment and personalised care our team provides." 

The service, which runs daily from 7am-8pm, is led by advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) and is supported by consultants.

Samantha Morris, directorate manager for general medicine and escalation, said: "Since 2016, our frailty team has been working within ED to provide rapid assessment and care for our older patients. 

"Now, by relocating the service into dedicated clinical space, we are already seeing significant improvements including shorter waiting times, fewer avoidable admissions and a better overall patient experience. 

"This success is made possible thanks to the expertise and dedication of our ANPs supported by our therapy, diagnostic and estates teams. 

"Building on the success of this first phase, we're now looking at how we can grow and improve the service even more. 

"From early November we'll have a dedicated consultant geriatrician working with the team and will be able to see a wider group of patients. We're also recruiting extra therapy and support staff to enhance the care we provide."