Addenbrooke's care service cuts hospital admissions by nearly a quarter
New research has found the service has saved 1,300 bed days a year
A service led by Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge which gives specialist help to people living in care homes has cut hospital admissions by nearly a quarter.
New research suggests the service - which helps people with frailty and multiple chronic health conditions - has reduced hospital admissions by 23%.
There was also a 32% reduction in time spent in hospital, saving 1,300 bed days a year at a cost of £700,000, the research found.
“This innovative service improves the quality of care for some of our frailest patients, enabling them to access specialist support without leaving the familiar surroundings of their care home," Dr Matthew Butler, consultant geriatrician at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), said.
"It takes a proactive, preventative approach, helping residents before they get to hospital."
The research assessed the impact at 11 care homes in Cambridgeshire in more than 12 months.
"Through assessments and conversations in the care home with residents and their families, we can work alongside our primary care colleagues to have a plan in place for residents to help reduce time spent in hospital," Dr Butler said.
'My dad can stay in comfort'
The Enhanced Reviews in Care Homes (EnRICH) service was developed by clinicians at CUH to address an increasing population with complex health needs.
It allows care home residents with frailty and other health conditions to live in a comfortable environment rather than in hospital, which could lead to physical and cognitive issues.
The service is also part of the Government's 10-year health plan for England to provide personalised care closer to patients' homes.
Alice Craske's 96-year-old dad Clifford - a retired architect - lives at Heathlands residential care home in Cambridge and has several health issues including dementia and heart failure.
His care is being managed by the EnRICH service with help from geriatricians at CUH.
“It means my dad can stay in the comfort of his home, away from an acute hospital environment, while still getting that specialist input and care," Alice said.
The research highlighted that benefits from the service began to emerge after three months, as relationships between hospital and community teams developed.
Fifteen more care homes with the highest frequency of hospital admissions in Cambridgeshire now use the service, funded by the NHS Central East Integrated Care Board.
Razvan Stanbeca, manager of Heathlands House, said: “The impact of the service over the last 14 months has been enormous," Razvan Stanbeca, manager at Heathlands House, said.
"Specialist input from the EnRICH team has enhanced the care we provide; our colleagues feel more confident and more empowered to provide even better care for residents.”