The Rural Services Network is pleased to highlight a groundbreaking development in the healthcare landscape of Humber and North Yorkshire. The local NHS has announced the launch of a Centre of Excellence for Frailty, a dedicated initiative aimed at revolutionising the health and care services for older residents across the region.

Building upon the pioneering success of the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre in Hull, the new Centre of Excellence will bring together various healthcare providers to enhance the quality of life for older individuals. The Jean Bishop Centre has already made significant strides in reducing hospital stays and promoting independence among older adults, setting a high standard for future initiatives.

The Centre of Excellence for Frailty is a pivotal project for the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. Recognising the increasing challenges posed by an ageing population, the Centre aims to establish a standardised approach to the prevention, identification, and management of frailty. This ensures that older people, regardless of where they live in the region, receive consistent, high-quality care and support.

Sue Symington, Chair of the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, expressed her enthusiasm:

"Launching the Centre of Excellence for Frailty is a significant milestone. We are committed to enabling our older population to lead healthy and independent lives for as long as possible. This Centre allows us to elevate the standard of care and support available."

The initiative underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to healthcare, particularly for older individuals. By fostering the sharing of clinical expertise and best practices, the Centre aims to create a cohesive and efficient healthcare system.

Dr. Dan Harman, Consultant Community Geriatrician at City Health Care Partnership CIC, emphasised the importance of this integrated approach:

"Our ambition is to address the needs of all our communities, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach to the health and wellbeing of older people."

Yvonne Elliott, Director of Community and Care Collaborative, highlighted the Centre's potential for broader impact:

"This step forward will enable us to provide clinical leadership and expertise, not just within our region, but potentially influencing care standards on a larger scale. The Centre of Excellence will facilitate research, training, and the dissemination of best practices, driving substantial improvements in community care."

The Centre's principles are grounded in creating a specialised workforce focused on frailty, equipped to deliver improved care outcomes. With a higher-than-average percentage of residents aged over 65, Humber and North Yorkshire are uniquely positioned to lead in addressing the complexities of an ageing population.

The launch of the Centre was marked by the release of a powerful film, underscoring its significance to the region's older population. The announcement was made at the Annual General Meeting of the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) on 10 July 2024.

As the Centre of Excellence for Frailty begins its work, the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership remains steadfast in its mission: to lay the groundwork for a healthier future, ensuring that older residents can enjoy longer, healthier, and more independent lives. This innovative approach sets a new benchmark in healthcare, promising transformative benefits for communities across the region.

In line with these efforts, the Rural Services Network is actively advocating for improved access to health and social care through our "Delivering for Rural" campaign. By promoting targeted and nuanced approaches to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, this campaign exemplifies how strategic initiatives like the Centre of Excellence for Frailty can effectively cater to the specific needs of rural populations. Through fair funding, strengthening local care services, and boosting public and mental health resources, we aim to ensure that rural communities receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all residents.