New care project for older patients

A new care scheme to help older people make the most of their stay in hospital is being pioneered in Southmead hospital in Bristol. The people nominated to take part in the trial are the residents of Ash Lea court nearby. This innovative project is being supported by NHS Bristol, Bristol City Council and North Bristol Trust. The scheme involves residential care workers continuing to look after their clients alongside hospital workers.

The presence of the residential care workers will mean improved communications so that hospital staff will be able to more effectively understand their older patients' needs. The desired result is that older people will be able to have a better time in hospital, and more of their needs will be met, with better outcomes for their health.

The expected improved communications should also result in fewer delayed discharges, hospital re-admissions and unnecessary bed days. The project is being undertaken by Housing 21, a leading organisation responsible for care, health and housing services for older people. It has been funded by a £120,000 grant from the Innovation Excellence and Service Development Fund from the Department of Health.

Les Clarke, Housing 21’s director of strategy and service development said: “Older people with chronic illnesses or disabilities going into hospital with acute illnesses often experience worse outcomes than others admitted with the same acute condition.

“This is because staff sometimes fail to understand their communications or have not got the time it needs to ensure that the patient understands what they need to do to help their own recovery. These patients can then become anxious and distressed and this delays their recovery.”

Head of research and development for Housing 21 David Williams said “We expect that the patient experience of their hospital stay will improve through an increased focus on their personal care and dignity. By taking on important care tasks, such as helping with feeding or bathing, the extra care staff will relieve the pressure on hospital nursing staff and allow them to concentrate on essential nursing tasks. The individual knowledge that they can give to hospital staff will be valuable, particularly in improving the provision of appropriate and timely services that might be needed when the patient is ready to return home.”

The scheme is set to last for three years and is being closely monitored for results. The hoped-for outcome is that older patients experience a shorter recovery period from their illnesses and a greater sense of well-being generally.

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