OAPs will get health MOTs when they go to A&E under NHS plans to keep them out of hospital. Medics will give over-65s a quick once-over as well as treating their immediate problem. A look at their blood pressure , heart, lungs and mobility, plus a quiz about their diet and history of falls, could pick up other long-term issues.
Health chiefs reckon the drive will prevent thousands of people from having to spend the night in hospital . A fifth of over-75s are classed as frail and they tend to need more medical help and longer ward stays. People are struggling to see their GP quickly so A&E is an important face-to-face contact High-risk visitors will be urged to do simple exercises to prevent falls and get treatment for illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes.
NHS England chief, Amanda Pritchard, will tell a health conference in Manchester today: “Health MOTs at the front door of A&E could be a lifeline for many older people. “While some people do need to be admitted to hospital, it isn’t always the best place for older patients and they can rapidly lose mobility while in a bed. “It is vital that we continue to adapt our services and these checks mean patients can be assessed quickly and directed to the right support for their needs.
” Millions of older people end up in casualty every year and they make up an increasing proportion of A&E visits and long waits . The risk of an emergency visit rises with age, with more than four in 10 people in their 90s going to.
