Integrated Frailty Service shortlisted for HSJ Patient Safety Awards | News centre

The Integrated Frailty Service in Surrey Downs has been shortlisted for the Improving Care for Older People Initiative of the Year category at this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards.

Surrey Downs Health & Care Partnership (SDHCP) is delighted to announce that its Integrated Frailty Service has been shortlisted for the Improving Care for Older People Initiative of the Year category at this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to healthcare. Following two of the toughest years in the health and social care sector, SDHCP continues to champion patient safety amidst challenges that the health and social care sector is facing. 

SDHCP has been shortlisted despite the tough competition from hundreds of applicants. The Integrated Frailty Service has been selected based on its ambition, visionary spirit and the demonstrable positive impact that the service has had on patient and staff experiences within the health and/or social care sector. 

The judging panel is made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community including:

• Victoria Jones, Consultant Paediatrician and Deputy Medical Director Patient Safety and Learning, North Middlesex University Hospital
• Neal Jones, Director of Patient Safety, Liverpool University Hospitals FT
• Nishaal Abraham, Head of Patient Safety and Complaints, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough FT
• Dr Hester Wain, Head of Patient Safety Policy, NHS England and NHS Improvement
• Mark Axcell, Interim CEO Designate and Interim Accountable Officer, Black Country Integrated Care System and Black Country and West Birmingham CCG
• Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nursing Officer, St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Trust

Early identification of patients living with frailty is proven to improve outcomes for patients and reduce hospital admissions. The Whole System Frailty Model is an innovative partnership which delivers a joined-up model to support people when in need and promote independence through establishment of a multi-disciplinary team - from front door assessment at Epsom General Hopsital’s Emergency Department, through to a community supported frailty team made up of multiple specialists to identify patients who would benefit from early intervention.

The creation of a specialist multi-disciplinary team provides better support in the Surrey Downs community and personalised care to individuals. The service has enabled many individuals to receive tailored care plans to tackle the impact of frailty in addition to other health concerns, and where possible, lead more independent lives within their own place of residence.

The team is jointly led by Clinical Directors for SDHCP’s Frailty services Dr Christopher Sin Chan, Consultant Geriatrician and Physician and Dr Malin Farnsworth, Consultant Geriatrician and Physician.

They said “We are very proud to have been shortlisted. It provides us with an opportunity to share our positive experience and outcomes with others. It also shines a light on the fantastic team that works across the whole system to provide the highest quality of care to our local population living with frailty”

Thirza Sawtell, SDHCP’s Place-based Lead said "I’m delighted that we have been shortlisted, recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of the team over the last 18 months to successfully implement the Integrated Frailty Service. Our Partnership is committed to delivering improved outcomes for our patients, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a fantastic achievement - well done to everyone involved”.

The full list of finalists for the 2022 HSJ Patient Safety Awards can be found on the Patient Safety Congress website.

Winners will be selected ahead of the ceremony, which will take place as part of the Patient Safety Congress and Awards in Manchester in September 2022.