A pioneering new programme for older people in the Easingwold area, and which identifies solutions to frailty and associated issues, has delivered positive outcomes in its first few months.
Funded by the Friends of St Monica’s Hospital (FOSMH), the “Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)”, is for patients of Millfields, Tollerton and Stillington surgeries. As the name suggests , a complete overview of the patients’ needs is provided. This is then turned into a plan of action that incorporates the expertise of a GP, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, and a social prescriber.
More Personalised Care
In the first six months, nearly 40 local senior citizens have been given , or were about to receive, personalised care. This covered a wide range of help:
- More than 30 unnecessary medications were stopped, not only saving the NHS money but also helping to avoid adverse effects of over prescribing.
- 19 Treatment Plans were discussed with patients, ensuring appropriate support in consultation with the patient.
- Occupational Therapy help was given through identifying home and bathroom adaptations and advising on pain and fatigue management.
- From the interactions with the Physiotherapist, patients benefits included walking aids, strengthening exercises, and falls prevention help.
- The Social Prescriber has been able to help with support from social care , the Living Well programme and advice on financial support.
Positive Results
There has been 100% patient satisfaction and comments from a survey include:
“I had an in-depth chat with the GP, and now medications have been changed and I’m doing exercises each day given by the physiotherapist. The occupational therapist gave good advice, and I now have a bed lever which has proved invaluable.”
The CGA has meant that the number of appointments that patients need with a GP has reduced by one-third, lowering the pressure on surgeries and likely to save the NHS thousands of pounds per year.
When the CGA was launched earlier in 2024, Easingwold GP Dr John Morris said:
“Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to provide this clinic and its innovative and impactful services without the FOSMH.”
Assessments are carried out at St Monica’s and patients are referred from Millfields, Tollerton and Stillington surgeries.
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