Overview
- Only one in six people aged 65 or over were assessed for frailty in 2024/25, down from one in four in 2017/18.
- Of 226,000 patients diagnosed with severe frailty in 2024/25, just 16% had a medication review and 18% received a falls risk assessment.
- Assessment and support levels vary sharply by location, with rates ranging from about 10% to 90% of over-65s across different areas.
- The NAO calls for earlier identification, consistent follow-up and prevention, with Gareth Davies highlighting an opportunity through the NHS 10-year plan.
- GP leaders cite rising workload and workforce shortages, while the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS say they will act on the report’s findings.