WIREDGOV

All NHS Boards now have frailty services in emergency departments to help older and vulnerable patients as soon as they arrive - improving care and reducing pressure on A&E departments.

On a visit to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Acute Frailty Unit, Health Secretary Neil Gray saw the impact the service is having on patient care, including:

• the average hospital stay for those admitted to the Acute Frailty Unit was 3.4 days - compared to a typical 17.5 day average hospital stay for older frail patients.
• no increase in re-admissions
• two thirds of frailty patients admitted have been discharged directly home.

Frailty services provide specialist, multidisciplinary assessment and care for older patients where required. They are designed to accelerate early discharge, reduce delays, and shorten hospital stays — helping patients recover more quickly and return home sooner.

This expansion of frailty services across the country is backed by a share of the £200 million investment from the 2025-26 Budget, aimed at reducing waiting times, improving hospital flow, and minimising delayed discharges.

After his visit, Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

“The success of the frailty service here in Dumfries and Galloway is something we are replicating across Scotland. By shifting the balance of care from acute hospitals to community-based services, we can ensure that people experiencing frailty are supported earlier - whether through GP referral or direct access via the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“This is about making sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“The work being done here is making a real difference, particularly for older patients, with average length of stay reduced by 14 days and no increase in re-admissions.

“Improving patient flow is a key priority, and services like this show how targeted, well-coordinated care can lead to better outcomes.”

Chief Operating Officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway Nicole Hamlet said:

“This work is making a real and measurable difference. By reducing unnecessary time in hospital, we’re helping people get home or to a homely setting safely and sooner. It also frees up vital capacity in the hospital, which helps us deliver better care across the board. I’m very proud of what the team has achieved.”

“The project builds on previous frailty work in Dumfries and Galloway and continues to evolve with input from those delivering the care. The team is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership’s management team and project leads.”

Background 

NHS Board hears of service results and progress towards key target