The UK’s first emergency department dedicated solely for patients over 80 years old is to be opened in Norfolk.
The new Older People’s Emergency Department (OPED) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) will help speed up the treatment of elderly patients.
It will ensure older patients immediately receive a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment to identify their risk of frailty.
Dr Frankie Swords, chief of division for medicine at NNUH said: ‘For older patients, we know that the earlier we can assess a patient, the quicker we can get them back to full health, regain their independence and avoid hospital admission. This is great news for our hospital, our patients and our staff.’
NNUH will also be relocating and tripling the size of its the Paediatric Emergency Department.