New frailty same day emergency care service opens at Musgrove Park Hospital

A new frailty same day emergency care (FSDEC) trial has opened at Musgrove Park Hospital, offering faster, specialist support for older people who come into hospital needing urgent care.

The service, based in the hospital’s acute frailty unit, aims to give patients a rapid assessment and treatment plan so they can return home safely the same day wherever possible, avoiding an unnecessary overnight stay.

Dr Hannah Parker, speciality registrar in geriatric medicine, says the service has the potential to make a meaningful difference for older people in Somerset.

She says: “We know from NHS England ‘Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT)’ data that more than half of patients over 75 who are admitted to hospital in England wait over 12 hours in emergency departments or temporary escalation areas. This can lead to poor experiences and poorer outcomes.

“Here in Somerset, our population aged 85 and over is expected to double over the next 20 years, so we need to find new ways of supporting people quickly and safely when they need urgent care.”

The new model brings together therapists, advanced frailty practitioners, nurses and doctors to give people a specialist review as soon as they arrive.

The team focuses on those aged over 65 who are frail or experiencing common frailty‑related issues such as falls, reduced mobility or sudden functional decline.

“Our aim is to prevent the deconditioning that can happen when older people spend long periods in hospital beds,” Hannah explains.

“If someone can be assessed, treated and supported to return home the same day, that’s often far better for their recovery, wellbeing and independence.

“The ability to offer same day emergency care specifically for frailty will help colleagues respond more quickly and work more collaboratively around each patient.

“What’s exciting about this pilot is that it brings the whole frailty team together at the front door.

“It means we can intervene earlier, put the right support in place, and help people stay well in their own homes wherever possible, and for many patients, that will make a huge difference.”

The trial will continue to develop over the coming weeks, with the team gathering feedback from patients and colleagues to shape how the service evolves.

Hannah says the enthusiasm from colleagues has already been incredibly positive. “Everyone recognises the growing needs of our older population and the importance of doing this well,” she says.

“We’re really proud to be trying something that has the potential to improve outcomes, reduce waiting times and offer a much better experience for the people we care for.”