New Royal Stoke unit to fast-track elderly patients through A&E
It's to prevent them experiencing long delays and having to be admitted
Last updated 4th Nov 2025
A new A&E unit's opened at Royal Stoke Hospital to ensure elderly patients are seen and treated within a few hours.
The Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) will help to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions in frail and elderly patients.
It's specifically available to patients aged over 75 who attend the Emergency Department (ED).
Hazel Davey, lead advanced nurse practitioner for frailty, said: “Since the Frailty SDEC opened last month, we’ve been able to see patients much faster, completing assessments and investigations within an hour. Most can then safely return home with the support they need, which is exactly where they want to be. Being able to carry out assessments immediately on arrival is helping reduce ambulance handover delays and avoid long waits on trolleys.
“Feedback from patients and their loved ones has been fantastic, saying they value the calmer environment and personalised care our team provides.”
The ANP-led service is supported by consultants and runs daily from 7am-8pm.
Samantha Morris, directorate manager for general medicine and escalation, said: “Since 2016, our frailty team has been working within ED to provide rapid assessment and care for our older patients. Now, by relocating the service into dedicated clinical space, we are already seeing significant improvements including shorter waiting times, fewer avoidable admissions and a better overall patient experience. This success is made possible thanks to the expertise and dedication of our ANPs supported by our therapy, diagnostic and estates teams
“Building on the success of this first phase, we’re now looking at how we can grow and improve the service even more. From early November we’ll have a dedicated consultant geriatrician working with the team and will be able to see a wider group of patients. We’re also recruiting extra therapy and support staff to enhance the care we provide.”
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