A TEAM of NHS doctors have won an award for their work treating sick elderly people at nursing homes rather than in hospital.
Since 2010 Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust's Care of the Elderly group have been aiming to cut emergency admissions from nursing homes by 40 per cent by helping to ensure better healthcare is provided in homes.
On Tuesday (November 20) members were presented with a Managing Long Term Conditions award for their efforts at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, hosted by BBC presenter Huw Edwards.
Dr Radcliffe Lisk, who was among elderly care consultants collecting the award, said: "We are delighted to have won this prestigious award, in recognition of the hard work of our whole team and the difference it has made to vulnerable elderly people in nursing homes."
The team has instigated monthly meetings between GPs, the hospital and nursing home staff to discuss individual residents and the best way to manage their care.
They have been providing intravenous antibiotics and fluids in nursing homes to prevent people coming to hospital unnecessarily."
Dr KeefaiYeong, also of the Care of the Elderly team, said: "This project highlights the importance of collaborative working between GPs, nursing home staff and hospital specialists in caring for the frail older person. It has resulted in more people being cared for successfully in what are effectively their own homes."
