Grampian Good Practice Example - Community Geriatrician
Summary of Initiative
This project was set up in the 3 Community Health Partnership areas of Grampian as a Pilot in 2004 to see whether consultant input at an early stage would lead to improved outcomes for older people, prevent unnecessary hospital admission and facilitate early discharge. The Consultant Geriatrician is attached to a group of City and rural practices and works closely with all nursing and social care staff. Referrals come from GPs, primary care or social care staff. A good example of 'joint-up working' as communication links have greatly improved. It was found that a substantial number of admissions to hospital have been prevented. It is planned to roll the project out across all areas of Grampian once additional resources have been secured.
Results
In Moray the post has been central to the creation of a single system care process known as the Virtual Medical Ward and Care Home Network. This has enabled redesign of services across the system.
In the City and Aberdeenshire all the areas are not fully covered yet.
A substantial number of hospital admissions have been deferred. Improvements in performance in terms of managing demand in medical services, reducing delayed discharges and shifting the balance of care to home based care have been obtained.
Structure
Links acute services with community hospitals, GPs and primary care teams, day hospital and social care services.
Contact Details
Dr Willie Primrose, emaiil willie.primrose@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Donald Newnham, email donald.newnham@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk