Emergency Department comes to frail elderly at home

17th April 2020

New service from St. Vincent’s University Hospital reduces unnecessary visits to ED during COVID-19 pandemic
– Patients assessed by ED doctor and occupational therapist at home

Patients, in the catchment area of St. Vincent’s University Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital,  who have fallen or are experiencing frailty-related problems can now save themselves a trip to the Emergency Department  (ED) and be assessed at  home, following the launch of a new service from St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

Once they have been referred to the service by a GP, Emergency Services  (including National Ambulance Service) or Nursing Home, the patient will now be able to wait in the comfort of their own homes for the arrival of an ED doctor and an Occupational Therapist.

The at home service includes a full medical and targeted functional assessment by a doctor and occupational therapist.  They are also able to do mobile ECGs and bloods. The service operates 7 days a week from 8am – 6pm.

Dr. Rosa McNamara, Emergency Medicine Consultant, (specialising in older people ) from St. Vincent’s University Hospital said:  “It’s so important that patients continue to look after their health – and that they call for help when they need it.  However, because many patients are reluctant to visit an ED at the moment, we decided to bring the ED to them.  We’ve been running the service for a couple of days now and it’s not only offering them enormous peace of mind but it’s also allowing people the chance to be cared for at home whenever possible.”

The service is been run voluntarily by St. Vincent’s University Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital and has been made possible through donations from Mobile Medical Diagnostics Ltd. Medicare Medical Services and Toyota Ireland who have provided the car and running costs.