User:Chrazer/ECAS

ECAS (the Elderly Care Assessment Service) is an intermediate care service based at Rookwood Hospital in Llandaff, Cardiff. It provides a rapid-access assessment service to whom General Practitioners can refer people who are failing (or at risk of failing) at home, and in whom unecessary admission to hospital may be the only alternative option. ECAS is a multi-disciplinary service, and encompasses Consultant and Specialist Geriatric Medicine doctors, experienced nursing staff, senior Physiotherapists and senior Occupational Therapists. There is also access to Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics, Clinical Psychology and close links with primary care (GPs, Distric Nursing). Excellent liaison with Social Services occurs and in cases where rapid intervention is required, urgent care can be commenced at home (Rapid Response Team) to support individuals in their homes, and maintain independence.

Assessment Assessment usually occurs within 24 - 48 hours of referral, and in cases where further medical tests are needed, some limited investigations can be undertaken the same day. If more advanced investigations are required, these can be arranged via the University Hospital of Wales either the same day for urgent tests, or at a later date, whichever is appropriate.

Home visits are often undertaken by the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to assess safety and function at home, providing a more deatiled picture of any problems existing. Equipment can often be supplied to assist in activites of daily living.

If ongoing intervention is required after ECAS, strong links exist with General Medicine clinics, Geriatric Day Hospitals and other Intermediate Care Services as well as the wider range of services offered by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.