Acute Frailty Unit
Contact the Nurse-In-Charge phone on 07919 252 315
Acute Frailty Unit. Based off EMU spine ground floor.
Philosophy of Care
Our aim is for all our healthcare professionals to provide an excellent standard of care.
Care will be provided in a comfortable and friendly environment, in which families and carers are encouraged to contribute to the planning of their relatives care.
Patients should retain their individuality and be cared for respectably with a holistic approach, whilst maintaining dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
Care will be planned and undertaken jointly by Doctors, Nurses, Allied health professionals and the patient/family members/carers when appropriate.
Together we will plan and deliver care which is centered on an individual's needs and values.
Our staff will have all the correct skills and knowledge to meet the individual needs of each patient and will be able to act as an advocate for that patient when needed.
Acute Frailty is part of the Medical and Emergency care division.
Click on the link and download the welcome pack. It is designed to provide you with useful/background information such as shift pattens and opportunities prior to your placement.
There is a workpack available to download through the link below. It is designed to enhance your learning opportunities.
Whilst it is not compulsory, it can contribute to problem solving discussions, your learning and assessment.
Our shifts are:
Morning: 7am-2:30pm
Afternoon: 12pm-7:30pm
Long Day: 7am - 7:30pm
Night 7pm-7:30am
Frailty
Clinically recognisable state of increased vulnerability, resulting from an aging associated decline in daily function
across multiple physiological systems, such that the ability to cope with everyday life is compromised.
It is a state of health which relates to the aging process. Multiple body systems gradually lose their built in reserves.
Older people living with frailty are at risk of adverse outcomes, such as drastic changes in their mental or physical well being after a minor event such as change of medication or an infection.
Symptoms of frailty:
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Falls
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Immobility
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Delirium
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Incontinence
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Susceptibility to side effect of medication.
The Learning Environment Managers (LEMs) for the Acute Frailty Unit are Jess Hatton and Sheree Jackson. Please contact the LEMs for your shifts etc.
For more information on the role of the LEM click on the link below
Falls Awareness And Prevention
Many of our patients are admitted to hospital after a fall in the community, and are at risk of falling again during their time as an inpatient. Falling during a stay in hospital can lead to a longer time before discharge, injuries, more complex therapy needs and poorer long-term outcomes, so it is really important for our patients to prevent this and keep them safe.
During your placement on AFU you will have the chance to learn all about risk assessments, falls prevention measures and the cycle of falls - your supervisors will be able to talk you through this.
Have a look at some of the pictures of our staff falls awareness training day!
Dementia
Dementia is a term which categorises numerous brain diseases. Including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. They are long term illnesses that cause a gradual decline in a persons ability to remember and think. This negatively impacts a persons ability to function in all activities of daily living.
Delirium
Delirium is an acute confusional state of mind. Characteristics such as restlessness, illusions or incoherence can present themselves and fluctuate throughout a 24hour period.