Addenbrooke's Department of Medicine for the Elderly
Addenbrooke's Hospital, part of the Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust, operates a dedicated Department of Medicine for the Elderly (DME). This department oversees multiple specialised wards designed to meet the complex medical, psychological, and social needs of older patients. The average age of inpatients in these wards is typically in the mid to late 80s, reflecting their focus on providing expert care to the frail and elderly.
Specialised elderly care wards
Addenbrooke's currently operates several key wards for elderly patients. These include:
- Ward C6: This is one of the hospital's dedicated wards for older adults, featuring 29 beds, including five single-sex bays and four side rooms. In 2014, it underwent a refurbishment to create a more dementia-friendly environment, aiming to make patients feel safer and reduce confusion. The ward's philosophy is centred on rehabilitation and enabling patients to return home safely and as soon as possible.
- Ward G6: With 27 beds, G6 is another key ward for medicine for the elderly at Addenbrooke's. It provides supportive care for older patients with a wide range of medical conditions, with a special emphasis on those with dementia and delirium. The environment is designed to be calm and respectful, and the staff are dedicated to ensuring patients are treated with dignity.
- Frail and Acute Medicine for the Elderly (FAME) Ward, C4: The FAME ward, located near the Emergency Department (ED), is designed for the rapid assessment and treatment of frail, elderly patients who attend the ED. This specialist unit focuses on getting older people home quicker by preventing unnecessary admissions and reducing long hospital stays. It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team led by a senior clinician who provides a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
The journey through the DME
An older patient's journey through the Department of Medicine for the Elderly at Addenbrooke's typically follows a structured pathway to ensure the best possible outcomes. It often begins with an assessment by the Specialist Advice for the Frail Elderly (SAFE) team. This team, comprised of senior nurses and therapists, assesses all emergency admissions for patients aged 75 and over and recommends whether they require a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in a dedicated DME ward.
- Initial Assessment in ED: An older patient arriving at the Emergency Department is flagged for a SAFE team assessment to identify their specific geriatric needs.
- Admission to FAME/C4: For frail, older individuals, direct admission to the FAME ward (C4) can occur, where they receive rapid, multi-disciplinary care.
- Transfer to Specialist Ward: Based on the CGA, patients may be moved to a specialised ward like C6 or G6 for continued treatment of complex conditions, dementia, or delirium.
- Rehabilitation and Discharge Planning: From the moment of admission, the team focuses on rehabilitation and planning for a timely and safe discharge. For those requiring further support, a transition to a rehabilitation environment may be arranged.
Comparison of elderly care wards
| Feature | Ward C6 | Ward G6 | FAME Ward (C4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialisation | Older adult medicine, dementia-friendly environment | Older patient care, dementia and delirium support | Rapid assessment and short stay for frail elderly |
| Bed Capacity | 29 beds | 27 beds | 26 beds (as of 2014) |
| Refurbishment | Extensively refurbished in 2014 for dementia care | Specially developed environment for supportive care | Part of a larger overhaul of care pathways |
| Admissions | General medicine requiring acute hospital admission | General medicine requiring acute hospital admission | Direct admission from Emergency Department |
| Discharge Focus | Enables timely return home or rehabilitation environment | Facilitates timely and safe discharge to appropriate setting | Aims to get patients home quicker to reduce long stays |
| Location | C Block, Level 6 (refer to CUH site for latest info) | G Block (refer to CUH site for latest info) | Near the Emergency Department (EAU4) |
The importance of specialist elderly care
Specialised geriatric wards like those at Addenbrooke's are crucial for providing optimal care to the elderly. They offer a comprehensive approach, addressing not only the acute medical condition but also the underlying factors of frailty, which can include dementia, mobility issues, and other complex co-morbidities. A focused environment, with staff trained in geriatric medicine, leads to better patient outcomes, reduced confusion, and a more streamlined discharge process. For more information on the full range of services, you can visit the Cambridge University Hospitals website Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Conclusion
While there isn't just one ward at Addenbrooke's for the elderly, the hospital has several highly specialised units under the umbrella of the Department of Medicine for the Elderly. These include wards C6, G6, and the FAME ward (C4), each playing a distinct role in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of older patients. This multi-ward approach ensures that care is tailored to the specific needs of each patient, promoting dignity, respect, and the best possible recovery. For any specific patient, the admission pathway will determine the most appropriate ward, with the SAFE team providing an initial assessment to guide this process.
