8 A dedicated space designed to support patients with frailty needs in the emergency department (ED) is delivering outstanding results at the RFH. Members of the wider frailty team have implemented the rapid early assessment team (TREAT) clinical decision unit (CDU) bay within the hospital’s adult assessment unit. This short-stay area (designed for patients staying less than 23 hours) enables people with frailty identified in the ED to receive timely, holistic care from a multidisciplinary team. The bay has been operational since November 2024 and is now a key part of how the ED supports patients to stay well and independent. The TREAT and rapid emergency and acute medicine (REAM) therapy teams work together to identify those who would benefit from a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Their early input helps ensure that patients who do not require hospital admission can safely return home with appropriate community support, while those who do need further care are directed to the most suitable ward. The ophthalmology surgical hub at Edgware Community Hospital has received recognition from NHS England for its efficiency and outstanding care. It’s one of just 10 surgical hubs in the UK to have been granted accreditation as part of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) scheme, which acknowledges high standards of treatment and adherence to guidelines aimed at improving patient experience. As a dedicated unit for planned eye surgeries, the hub is able to operate at maximum efficiency without being impacted by winter pressures in other parts of the hospital. The ophthalmology surgical team also deliver shorter waiting times for patients and prides itself on providing more personalised care, as many patients who return to the hub see the same members of staff. Anne Marie Williams, sister in charge, has worked in the unit since 2001 and has seen it transform from a more general day surgery unit to the surgical hub it is today. Blinking brilliant – surgical eye hub receives recognition Since its launch, the unit has supported around 790 patients. Data shows that this proactive approach is delivering demonstrable improvements in care and patient experience, with 90% of patients rating their care as good or very good once they leave. Patients seen in the unit experienced ED waits around 1.7 hours shorter on average than similar patients admitted elsewhere, and 60% of patients were able to return home directly from the bay. “We only began specialising in eye surgeries two years ago and, since then, our waiting times have reduced and patients are benefitting from the expertise based here,” Anne Marie said. “We’re a formidable family – we work together with colleagues in the eye clinic to get patients through the doors safely and quickly. The accreditation showcases our collaborative work in facilitating first-class day surgeries.” Rohit Jolly is the clinical service lead for ophthalmology at the RFL and said a lot of effort had led to the GIRFT accreditation: “I am so happy that Edgware has received this recognition – a lot of work goes into running the hub, ensuring the highest standards of care are met for all our patients, and making sure our staff are happy and their talents are acknowledged. “I’m really proud of the team and it’s another accolade to add to the many others we’ve achieved. We look forward to continuing to grow and welcoming many more patients who can walk away from the hub smiling and with better vision.” Dedicated bay supporting patients with frailty 9 Members of staff supporting TREAT CDU How to identify and support frailty Frailty affects many patients and can influence how well they recover from illness, injury or stressful life events. With frailty, an otherwise minor issue can lead to rapid decline in strength or cognition. This Frailty February, use the ‘5 P’s of frailty’ to guide care: • Proactive identification – recognise signs early and act before a crisis. • Personalised care plan – focus care on what matters most to each patient. • Prevent unnecessary admissions – explore community and therapy-led support. • Prevent deconditioning – encourage movement, nutrition and hydration. • Promote healthy ageing – champion engagement, socialising and connected care. Search for ‘frailty’ on Freenet for more resources and training tools. The ophthalmology surgical team Rohit meeting with a patient in the surgical hub “ “ We’re a formidable family The team – including medical, nursing and therapy staff – works together to meet patients’ physical, emotional and social needs. Regular activity sessions every Wednesday promote wellbeing, mobility and confidence, helping patients maintain independence after discharge. “Our patients benefit from truly joined up care,” said Dr Devkishan Chauhan, consultant physician and geriatrician. “This model shows how early assessment and teamwork lead to safer, better outcomes for everyone involved.” Myra Hernandez, lead nurse for TREAT, added: “The TREAT CDU reflects what’s possible when we combine specialist frailty expertise with rapid, personcentred care. Seeing patients return home safely and confidently is what motivates our team every day.” As we mark Frailty February 2026, the team is sharing its experience across the trust – encouraging colleagues to recognise frailty early and explore ways to provide person-centred, preventative care.
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