Acute Care

This is the fourth blog in the BGS's 'Timely Discharge' Blog Series. We aim to raise awareness of the detrimental effects on older people of being stuck in hospital when they are 'medically fit for discharge'. Our blog series explores the causes of delayed discharges, the knock-on effects to the wider health and social care system, and what needs to change.

In early 2020, as an early career researcher, I was given the exciting opportunity to join an international collaboration to undertake a systematic review, an opportunity that was too good to turn down.

Hurrah, the cavalry has appeared over the horizon! Whilst my hospital is well geared up for staff influenza vaccinations (something that I am proud to have been involved in instigating over 25 years ago), the COVID-19 vaccination programme requires a Herculean effort on behalf of the NHS and its staff, adding further strain on our already stretched services.

During the pandemic, it has been my great privilege to contribute to the Scottish Government’s Clinical and Professional Advisory Group on Care Homes (CPAG).

COVID-19 has proven to be particularly harmful to older people, who are more likely to experience severe symptoms, and be hospitalised as a consequence. COVID-19 affects multiple organ systems, has been shown to affect physical function, and is associated with prevalent delirium. There is emerging evidence that older people affected with COVID-19 may experience significant disability after the acute phase of their illness has passed.

Busy, noisy, and unfamiliar. Hospitals can be frightening and disorientating for people living with dementia who describe not being sure where they are, why they are there or what is happening around them.

Earlier this year health and social care organisations across Newcastle upon Tyne (Collaborative Newcastle) were focused on how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.