The effect of bedrails on falls and injury

the specialist needs of frail patients gives geriatric day hospital a distinct edge over any other outpatient service. Our experience of establishing a heart failure service for elderly patients based in the day hospital is an example of an innovative use of this resource. Elderly patient with possible heart failure were referred to the outpatient clinic but the patients had to make three to four hospital visits prior to confirmation of diagnosis and it took at least 6 weeks. Walking through long hospital corridors and visiting different departments was beyond the capability of many frail patients. However, concentrating services in the day hospital with in-house facility for echocardiograpy, respiratory function test, phlebotomy and close working relation with the X-ray department led to the diagnosis being confirmed and treatment commenced or changed on the very first visit. The day hospital environment and availability of multidisciplinary rehabilitation complemented this service as many frail patients with heart failure had unmet rehabilitation needs. The future of geriatric day hospital is bright provided its role changes with the changing needs of the elderly population. It should maintain its traditional role but should offer new flexible services for frail elderly patients; the possibilities are endless. As the working of the geriatric day hospital is changing, it may be prudent to rename this facility. Elderly Medical Assessment Unit will be more realistic and will help to change its image.