New deal for residents of care homes announced

Oct 2 2008 by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke

CLYDESDALE care home residents are now receiving an enhanced package of general medical services.

Each care home now has a dedicated general practice looking after the residents.

The new service means that a GP visits the care home at least twice weekly to undertake care reviews and ensures that every patients’ medication is regularly reviewed.

Clydesdale Locality general manager Marilyn Aitken, of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Throughout Lanarkshire we are investing around £800,000 in this initiative which involves working in partnership with care homes to ensure residents receive a comprehensive, proactive and systematic service. This will include work around falls prevention, care of residents with diabetes, dementia care, patients with specific nutritional requirements, and palliative care patients.

“NHS Lanarkshire is appointing additional care home liaison nurses, physiotherapy staff, and dedicated pharmacy staff to support GPs and care homes with this initiative.”

For some residents, the new arrangements meant their care changed from their existing general practice from July 1.

The transfer of patients to the new arrangements was carried out with the close involvement of all Clydesdale GPs to ensure a smooth transition.

This includes ensuring that general practices have up-to-date health and medical history for all care home residents registered with them.