How we help our frail and elderly patients
Our Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospitals both have acute frailty assessment support teams. At Scunthorpe this is called FEAST. They investigate and offer treatment to patients who do not need to be admitted to hospital, as well as care for those patients who may require a short stay admission. (48 to 72 hours)
Patients receive a full comprehensive geriatric assessment. The medical reason for their admission will be dealt with and a plan to expedite their discharge that same day will be put in place.
There is also a short-term frailty assessment unit for those patients who need a short stay in hospital, typically between 48 to 72 hours, as well as inpatient beds for people needing to stay longer.
The team is made up of health professionals from the Trust, as well as partner organisations such as social care and mental health. The team includes doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, staff nurses, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a nurse consultant in mental health, social workers and a discharge coordinator.
Referrals
Patients are referred into the units by the hospital’s emergency department (A&E), East Midlands Ambulance Service, GPs or community matrons/emergency care practitioners.
Patients are only referred if they meet the Bournemouth criteria which includes: those over the age of 90; aged over 65 years from a nursing or residential home or community hospital; aged over 75 from home with two or more pre-existing conditions; acute confusion; history of falls; incontinence; reduced mobility or dementia.