Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Benefits of effective hospital services for elderly people.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987; 295 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.295.6604.980 (Published 17 October 1987) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987;295:980
  1. J Mitchell,
  2. K Kafetz,
  3. B Rossiter
  1. Department of Medicine for Elderly People, Whipps Cross Hospital, London.

    Abstract

    An age related hospital service for elderly people was set up in Waltham Forest Health Authority to provide acute medical care when needed. Despite a reduction in the allocation of funds over the years 1982-4 the health authority increased the number of district general hospital beds available for elderly patients and improved home nursing services. The outcomes of the changes made were assessed against the aims of the service by using data from the Hospital Activity Analysis, SH3 returns, government population estimates, and yearly figures collected in our department. It is concluded that introducing an age related service in our health authority has benefited people aged over 65.