A new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit has been opened at HRI for our frailty patients - and staff there have already attracted a wonderful tribute and thanks from a colleague at CHFT.  

Renee Comerford, Nurse consultant for Older People and Head of the Acute Frailty Service, told us: "This unit will provide a multi-disciplinary response as soon as a patient presents in SDEC.

"It will enhance the frail patient's journey through the ED department  -  and replaces them previously having to go through the busy ED department."

The care on the SDEC unit has already drawn this response from Louise Edmondson from Surgical Outpatients. She says: "My Grandma was brought in by ambulance to A&E. After the initial assessment by the A&E consultant Dr Garside, who was fantastic, my Grandma went to the SDEC department where she was seen by the Frailty Team and was assessed for pallative/end of life care.

"The staff on this very busy department was absolutely AMAZING, they treated my Grandma with such care, compassion and dignity. Everyone of them was outstanding. I cannot thank them enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My Grandma was later discharged back to the nursing home and unfortunately died later that night with her family around her. From our family to all the staff on Shift 26/11/19 in SDEC in the afternoon thank you, you were brilliant. It really does make a difference."

Patients are triaged into SDEC after being identified as frail and having the potential to be discharged home the same day.

The unit will provide a quieter and calmer environment where they will be seen by the Multi Disciplinary Team as soon as they arrive, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment will begin. 

This assessment will review not only what the patient has presented with, but also assess their long-term medical conditions, social, mobility, mental health and activities of daily living at home.  

We also look after the family who are carers for the patients and try and strain on them, recognising the importance of their well being too.

Renee added, "This is an exciting opportunity to help patients be cared for where they live, and not be brought into hospital, so they have the right support in place at home for them and their carers."

Our Governor Alison Schofield, who was invited to cut the ribbon added: "As a frail patient who has accessed CHFT hospital services before and now with the Frailty Service who promote independence and quality of life ensuring that care needs are met in line with a patient and their families wishes, I have witnessed the difference their work makes, enabling people to live in their communities longer and making sure they feel supported at the most vulnerable time in their lives. It is my honour to open and support the Frailty Service as they look forward and continue improving lives.”