This is led by the geriatric medicine services which have a key role to play in changing culture and making the acute sector population bases and making a contribution to neighbourhood health. Following the inaugural ‘National Deconditioning Awareness and Prevention Campaign’ in 2016, a national program against deconditioning ‘ReconditionTheNation’ was launched in 2022. The aim was to improve patients’ outcomes and improving staff morale by reducing deconditioning in hospitals and care homes. Over 100 organizations spread across 34 ICSs took part voluntarily, over 1500 medals and certificates were provided to participant teams. A network of 500 volunteering Reconditioning Ambassadors was developed which continue to meet monthly and spread good practice. Next phase will include younger ages and community-dwelling adults too in line with the neighbourhood health plans.
Awareness and education of populations across the country is key. For example, the benefits of exercise and the CMOs recommendations on physical activity can be displayed in public areas, shopping malls, GP surgeries etc for maximum impact.
Strategic priority as defined in the Darzi Report, the 2025/26 Operating Model and the Neighbourhood Health guidelines
Moving from treating sickness to preventing it
Contact
Amit Arora President Elect British Geriatrics Society and Clinical Director, Emergency care improvement Support Team, NHS England