About the Service:
A dedicated frail elderly ward, ‘Bob Jakin’ was established as part of the ward reconfiguration exercise undertaken in December 2013. The ward is specially adapted to care for the frail elderly and a sensory garden has been developed to provide safe outside space for dementia patients.
The Trust has also introduced an enhanced acute assessment process for the frail and elderly. This includes undertaking a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) for all patients over 75 who are admitted to the dedicated frail elderly ward, ‘Bob Jakin’. To enhance the elderly care team a Physician’s Associate has also been appointed who is specially trained in undertaking CGA’s. Rem Pods’ (Specialist memory trigger areas for use in the treatment of dementia) have been purchased.
In addition, to enhance patient care for patients with fractured neck of femur and ensure that patients are seen and treated within 72 hours, a dedicated ortho geriatric registrar has been employed to deal with fractured neck of femur cases.
A CGA is now also undertaken for all geriatric fractured neck of femur patients, together with bone protection and an investigation into the fall that caused the fracture.
