A new frailty service at Alfred Bean Hospital in Driffield is already earning praises from patients and families who say it’s providing “personalised care” and helping older people live more independently.
The year-long pilot, delivered by City Health Care Partnership (CHCP) and funded by a legacy from the estate of Reginald Dobson through the Driffield League of Friends, aims to help people living with complex age-related conditions to maintain their health and independence.
Patients who have already used the service described it as “thorough” and “personalised”, praising staff for the time and care given during appointments.
George Harris, 88, and his wife Marion, who were one of the first patients to use the service, told Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership that they felt “made to feel special”.
Marion said: “You felt like you were getting personalised care and made to feel special,
“Each area was covered and no time was wasted but we got personal attention.”
Dr Linsay Cunningham, who leads the new service, said: “One of the things we’ve noticed is that many patients don’t have an advanced care plan that details their wishes if they become unwell, so we are very happy to be able to help them do this.”
The clinic, which runs every Friday, provides a comprehensive geriatric assessment for patients identified by their GPs as having high frailty needs.
Each patient can see a doctor, pharmacist, physiotherapist, and clinical support worker, with flexible consultation appointments which can last an hour or more if needed.
The service mirrors a successful model which is already operating at the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre in Hull.
Dr Jessica Airey, from The Park Surgery, said the project will improve care for older patients and reduce hospital admissions.
She said: “The model offers a face-to-face multi-disciplinary review and the team then has a video call with the patient’s GP to agree any changes that are needed to their care.
“Similar frality services in other areas have been very successful and we are delighted to be able to bring these benefits to patients in Driffield.”