Elderly patients in Greenwich now have access to a new specialist centre with treatments specifically for their needs.

The community hub will provide care specifically for older patients who require support due to symptoms associated with frailty such as falls.

Opening today (August 21) in Eltham Community Hospital, the service will provide diagnostic tests, such as X-ray and blood tests, and will include support from therapists and social workers.

Managed by Care of the Elderly Consultants, specialists at the hub will create care plans tailored around the needs of the individual patient, whether that involves the patient needing hospital care, care in their own home or in a care or residential home.

Dr Tim Petterson, consultant in care of the elderly and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “We know that the best place for a lot of older patients to be cared for is at home. For some elderly people, hospitals can be frightening places, and can cause additional confusion.

“This new service in Greenwich will support elderly patients, who are some of the most vulnerable to get the right treatment to enable recovery and promote independence.

“It will also provide vital early support to prevent unnecessary visits to hospitals, for example where there is an increased risk of a fall or an infection.”

GPs will be able to refer patients into the hub between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday, and the community hub will provide services until 7pm.

The hub is intended for patients who are over 65, but there is a degree of flexibility for other patients who may require the service.