Northern centre to boost older people’s health
MMHS residents from Lincolnshire to Yorkshire will be interested to know a Centre of Excellence for Frailty has been launched by the NHS to support the care of older people across that region. And its impact could spread much further afield.
Some may think this is yet another standard initiative to get things up and going medically for older people. But it sounds like this Centre is far from standard – and puts the north of England on the front foot, driving change in this area of care.
‘Taking a holistic approach to the health and care of older people works’
Officials hope the Centre will ‘raise the bar for how we care for our older population’. The aim is to help people avoid hospital stays, maintain independence and enjoy quality of life.
A moving film was released to mark the July launch, highlighting the importance of the Centre to the region and its older population. The new service will build on the work of the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre – which offers a ‘health and social care MOT’.
This is a comprehensive assessment through a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and social care teams. The Jean Bishop Centre has a cafe area, and users are offered a free lunch and other refreshments as part of their appointment.
‘We know that taking a holistic approach to the health and care of older people works,’ said Dr Dan Harman, Consultant Community Geriatrician at City Health Care Partnership CIC.
‘Our ambition now is to consider the needs of all our communities and create a consistent approach to the health and wellbeing of older people.’
“We recognise people are living longer than ever before, which is a testament to the progress of modern science and healthcare – including the NHS,’ said Sue Symington, Chair of Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.
‘At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enabling people to lead healthy and independent lives’
‘However, this new longevity also brings new challenges. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enabling people to lead healthy and independent lives for as long as possible.’
Director of Community and Care Collaborative Yvonne Elliott said, ‘The Centre of Excellence for Frailty will enable us to provide clinical leadership and expertise across Humber and North Yorkshire, as well as training and support for our colleagues.
‘It will also allow us to undertake research and cascade best practice, having an impact that can go beyond our region.’
MMHS residents in that region may be interested in using this service if they or a loved one are living with frailty. Should that be the case, they are advised to ask their GP for a referral to the Jean Bishop Centre. There, they will get a comprehensive ‘health MOT’ that looks at every aspect of their health and wellbeing.
