Publish date: 28 June 2023
Bus bringing interactive session on medicines for older people to Northumberland
A programme which seeks to enhance care for older people is taking to the road, with a session on medicines taking place next month at a Northumberland hospital.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s integrated frailty pharmacy team will be at Hexham General Hospital on Tuesday, July 11, to share important messages around medicines for older people.
The drop-in event takes place on the MELISSA learning bus, which will be parked outside the hospital from 10am to 3pm, and features activities to help both staff and patients learn more about everything from medication reviews, remembering how and when to take medicines, to side effects and what to do about them.
The event is part of the Enhanced Care for Older People (EnCOP) programme, which was launched at the trust in July 2022. Relevant for all clinical staff working with older people, it helps them understand why and how care for older people is unique, challenging and rewarding.
This is particularly important at a time when the UK population is ageing; by 2066, more than a quarter will be aged 65 and above, and Northumberland has the fastest ageing demographic in England.
Elaine Francis, a clinical educator at Northumbria Healthcare and professional nurse advocate for EnCOP, said: “The frailty pharmacy team has come up with an innovative, interactive and engaging set of activities which will be of interest to anyone involved in medicines for older people. I would recommend people go along on the day and see what they can learn.
“EnCOP is a valuable programme, particularly given the age profile of some of our communities, such as rural areas of Northumberland. That’s why it’s great that Northumbria is really leading the way in delivering this framework, with staff on Ward 2 at Hexham and the ward team at Berwick Infirmary close to having completed the essential programme.
“The event at Hexham is part of a planned series of roadshows, with other stops planned at some of our other hospitals, with different themes and staff teams at each, so watch this space for one near you!”
EnCOP is validated by the regional Ageing Well Network and Northumbria University.
MELISSA (Mobile Educational Learning Improving Simulation Safety Activities) is a double-decker bus that has been designed to deliver healthcare education and training across the North East and North Cumbria.
It’s a partnership between the North East Simulation Network, I Can Prevent Delirium, Health Education North East Faculty of Patient Safety and the Find Your Place in the North East and North Cumbria campaign.
Media contact
Ben O’Connell, media and communications officer, Northumbria Healthcare
Benjamin.O'Connell@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk or 07833 046680.