OLDER patients showing signs of frailty will be seen by a new specialist team when they arrive at Royal Surrey County Hospital.

The Acute Frailty Team, which includes a consultant geriatrician and a specialist acute frailty nurse, will be based in the Guildford hospital’s A&E department.

They will assess all patients showing signs of frailty, such as confusion, falls and mobility issues, within one hour of their arrival.

Individual care plans will then be put in place for each patient to ensure they receive the treatment and support they need either as an in-patient or at home.

It is hoped these changes will reduce the amount of time some older people need to spend in hospital.

The team will initially be available from Monday to Friday and it is planned that in time they will expand and be able to offer a seven day service.

Other changes to improve care for older people at the Royal Surrey will follow, including plans to open a short stay ward and to strengthen links with colleagues who work outside the hospital, such as GPs.