A unit at County Hospital in Stafford, which helps to look after older people, is celebrating its second birthday this year.

The Frailty Assessment Unit (FAU) opened in November 2024 to provide specialist care for patients aged over 75 attending the Emergency Department.

The unit aims to assess patients' individual needs and identify the right support as early as possible, helping people to return home safely in situations where it is appropriate.

Around 18 patients are seen by the unit's team per day who work closely with community services and UHNM's Virtual Wards service to support patients after they leave hospital.

The consultant-led service brings together the expertise of doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and social care colleagues.

Dr Alice Holt, emergency medical consultant, said: "We have a multidisciplinary team including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians which is absolutely integral to the service."

"On average we see around 18 patients a day and continue to prevent unnecessary admissions wherever possible, including through the use of our Virtual Ward service.

"We've got a really strong team and everybody supports each other and pulls together for the good of the patients.

"The feedback we've had from both staff and patients has been incredible and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the last two years."

The service has been praised by patients and their families for its kindness and people-focused care.

It has also received national recognition with the NHS Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme praising the team's patient-centred approach, strong teamwork and innovative model of care during a recent visit.

The FAU was also recently shortlisted for the Parliamentary Pathfinder NHS Innovation Adoption Awards.

Heather Moore, advanced occupational therapist, said: "Our main aim is getting people home the same day when we can and making sure we do that safely and sustainably so they're not coming back into hospital again.

"We look at what support people need, whether that's equipment, care packages or help with day-to-day activities and make sure they're comfortable and well while they're here.

"I absolutely love working here, the team is amazing and really supportive.

"Everyone is committed and on the same page and we always put the patient first in everything we do.

"Patients are seen as people, not as numbers or targets, and for me that's the most important thing."

Claire Hopley, workstream management lead for the County Strategic Programme, said: "Two years after implementation the Frailty Assessment Unit's success is testament to our dedicated multidisciplinary team, who designed a service around local needs to ensure patients receive the right care, first time, in the right place."