3647 ‘All hands on FSDEC’: implementation of an MDT delivered same day emergency care unit for older patients living with frailty

Abstract Introduction Older adults living with frailty are at high risk of harm in traditional emergency care settings whilst frailty prevalence is rising. The Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (FSDEC) service at University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) was launched in January 2025 to provide rapid, specialist-led, multidisciplinary care outside the Emergency Department (ED) footprint. The aim to assess, treat, and discharge patients on the same day, avoiding unnecessary and unwanted admissions and aligning with the NHS Long Term Plan. Method FSDEC operated as a three-month pilot within the medical SDEC, open daily 0900–1700. Patients were referred from ED, GPs, ambulance services, and community teams. A multidisciplinary team (MDT)—including geriatricians, ACPs, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and care coordinators—delivered integrated, person-centred care. Results Between January and March 2025, 471 patients were seen, with 75.5% discharged. Alongside the Frailty Emergency Squad (FES; frailty inreach team in ED), 835 discharges were achieved over 10 weeks, more than doubling previous rates. FSDEC improved ED flow and reduced inpatient bed days by approximately 573 per month. Staff reported improved satisfaction and decision-making. Despite challenges (e.g. space, IT, and social care delays), the service demonstrated feasibility and scalability using existing resources. Conclusion(s) FSDEC offers a replicable model for urgent frailty care that is proactive, integrated, and person-centred. It delivers better outcomes, faster care, and aligns with national priorities. Now adopted as a substantive service, considerations are in place to extend hours, improve IT, and deepen community integration. FSDEC is poised to become a cornerstone of urgent care for older people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

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Publication Details

Journal
Age and Ageing
Published
2026-02-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaf368.047
Primary Topic
Frailty in Older Adults
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

3647 ‘All hands on FSDEC’: implementation of an MDT delivered same day emergency care unit for older patients living with frailty

Emily Laithwaite, E Crackell, C Miller
Age and Ageing
Frailty in Older Adults
article

3647 ‘All hands on FSDEC’: implementation of an MDT delivered same day emergency care unit for older patients living with frailty

Emily Laithwaite, E Crackell, C Miller
article en

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Older adults living with frailty are at high risk of harm in traditional emergency care settings whilst frailty prevalence is rising. The Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (FSDEC) service at University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) was launched in January 2025 to provide rapid, specialist-led, multidisciplinary care outside the Emergency Department (ED) footprint. The aim to assess, treat, and discharge patients on the same day, avoiding unnecessary and unwanted admissions and aligning with the NHS Long Term Plan. Method FSDEC operated as a three-month pilot within the medical SDEC, open daily 0900–1700. Patients were referred from ED, GPs, ambulance services, and community teams. A multidisciplinary team (MDT)—including geriatricians, ACPs, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and care coordinators—delivered integrated, person-centred care. Results Between January and March 2025, 471 patients were seen, with 75.5% discharged. Alongside the Frailty Emergency Squad (FES; frailty inreach team in ED), 835 discharges were achieved over 10 weeks, more than doubling previous rates. FSDEC improved ED flow and reduced inpatient bed days by approximately 573 per month. Staff reported improved satisfaction and decision-making. Despite challenges (e.g. space, IT, and social care delays), the service demonstrated feasibility and scalability using existing resources. Conclusion(s) FSDEC offers a replicable model for urgent frailty care that is proactive, integrated, and person-centred. It delivers better outcomes, faster care, and aligns with national priorities. Now adopted as a substantive service, considerations are in place to extend hours, improve IT, and deepen community integration. FSDEC is poised to become a cornerstone of urgent care for older people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Age and AgeingVol. 55(Supplement_1)
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (GB)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Frailty in Older Adults
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