Hounslow Borough Based Partnership Frailty Workshop

In January, colleagues from the Hounslow Borough Based Partnership Frailty Programme Board reviewed joint projects and sought new opportunities for how partners can better collaborate to improve health outcomes for Hounslow residents living with frailty.

Workshop Leadership and Focus

Steven Forbes, Executive Director of Children’s and Adults Services for Hounslow Council, chaired the engaging workshop highlighting the new service interventions that have been delivered since the programme launched in 2021. Where service design has focused on a ‘home first’ model, which aims to help residents experiencing frailty, dementia, or requiring end-of-life care to live healthier lives at home and within their communities. Projects that are currently being monitored by the Frailty Board can be reviewed here.

Key Discussions and Presentations

During the workshop, colleagues heard ideas and concepts from a range of partners, including Dr. Sanjay Krishnamoorthy, Medical Director at West Middlesex University Hospital, and Dr. Mark Lethby, Consultant Physician and Geriatrician at West Middlesex Hospital. They discussed how reducing organisational barriers and focusing on Advanced Care Plans could provide easier pathways for patients and doctors to navigate.

Prioritising End-of-Life Care

Martin Waddington, Director of Commissioning for Hounslow Council and Hounslow Borough Director for the ICB, emphasised the importance of prioritising 'End of Life Care' and how best to support a patient's wishes. His insights underscored the necessity of aligning services with patient-centred care principles.

Collaborative Brainstorming

The workshop was a great opportunity for colleagues from the hospital, social care, commissioning, data, NHS Community Services, and Public Health to brainstorm and review concepts on what could potentially be delivered over the next 18 months. The aim is to achieve tangible benefits for both operational colleagues and residents.

Potential Projects for Development

1. Enhancing Community Support Networks: Establish stronger community support networks to assist frail residents in maintaining their independence.
2. Advanced Care Planning Initiatives: Develop comprehensive Advanced Care Planning initiatives to streamline patient and healthcare provider interactions.
3. Hospital Avoidance: Work with care home settings to improve community health support within their establishments to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
4. Public Health Education Programmes: Continue to develop the public health Stay Steady and Active programme, targeting awareness and prevention strategies for frailty-related conditions.
5. End-of-Life Care: Improve pathways that are focused on end-of-life care and respect for patient preferences.

The workshop solidified the commitment of all partners to continue working collaboratively to enhance the well-being of Hounslow's frail population, ensuring that they receive dignified and compassionate care.