The trust that runs King’s Mill and Mansfield Community hospitals has expanded its team caring for frail, elderly patients.

The news comes as reports reveal people in the UK are living longer, but many with long-term medical conditions and frailty.

The Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust has strengthened its Frailty Intervention Team — professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care to frail people.

The trust said frailty affected nearly 50% of the over-85s and 15% of the over-65s.

Kirsty Woodward, geriatric advanced nurse practitioner, said: “Working together, the team, which consists of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, Social Services and carers, manage patients through a holistic assessment known as a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. A personalised care plan is developed to address a patient’s needs, and appropriate treatment and services to enhance their care within hospital and their home is put in place.

“These dedicated assessments and care plans are of huge benefit to frail patients. Successful outcomes include improved functional and cognitive ability and emotional state. The risk of needing long-term care and readmission to hospital is also reduced.

“The team has close links with other services within Mansfield District Council, and community services including community matrons, falls prevention teams and intensive home support schemes, which enable appropriate patients to be discharged home more quickly.”

The team has been entered into the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network Awards.