Frailty (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)
Views
An informal discussion from an unrepresented sample of primary and secondary care clinicians in the borough identified the following issues:
Lack of communication of relevant patient information between healthcare professionals.
An increased need of input and mobilization of social care teams to assist patients at home in times of acute need (for example delirium due to an infection) in order to reduce risks of hospital admission.
An increased investment into community medical services to manage acute exacerbations of long term conditions.
Further investment required for resources, time and support for GPs for proactive and preemptive care.
A possibility of specialist GPs in frailty and ageing being employed within the community with linked consultant support.
An increased need for support from voluntary sectors.
Further clarity regarding both primary and secondary care services amongst clinicians and the general public.
A need for swifter access to mental health services for earlier diagnosis of cognitive impairment,
The Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Geriatrics Society summarise their key messages as needing to promote person centred and continual care, multidisciplinary working, collaboration and communication in a proactive manner along with support for professional development for those involved in the care of frail patients.