Health MOTs For Over 65s

UK hospitals are rolling out "health MOTs" at A&E entrances for anyone over 65.

The idea is to do quick check-ups for over 65s at the door and prevent unnecessary hospital stays. 

They'll run tests for things like blood pressure, heart health, and mobility, and even look for signs of malnutrition.

NHS England says these quick check-ups could be a game changer, helping patients get the right care faster.

According to Amanda Pritchard, the boss of NHS England, while some folks do need to stay in the hospital, it's not the best place for everyone, especially older patients who might get worse just from being there.

Based on these MOT results, patients will get pointed to the right specialist care, like help for falls or dementia.

But not everyone agrees. Some say that while these checks are a step in the right direction, they won't fix the NHS waiting lists.

Sir Julian Hartley from NHS Providers says half the older patients in hospitals are dealing with frailty issues, which is a big deal for health services. 

He’s pushing for more community-based care to keep older people stable at home, avoiding hospital visits.

The plan also includes bonuses for hospitals that keep A&E waits under 12 hours and expands virtual wards to free up more space in emergency departments.