Trauma in Older Persons Service

We provide treatment, care and support for older patients following a trauma.

Key points

Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management to address the medical and discharge planning needs of this vulnerable population
We work closely together with the Trauma team to provide best care for older people who experience trauma

Patients need a referral from their GP or healthcare provider. Access referral information

What we do

The Trauma in Older Persons Service (TOPS) team review and provide care for most patients aged 65 years or older admitted to the Trauma unit.

Some of the issues we commonly address in older people who experience trauma include:

Assessment of baseline past medical history, medications and social history
Prevention and management of medical issues
Screening and management of geriatric syndromes in hospital such as delirium, falls and functional decline and nutritional issues
Falls assessment and management
Bone health assessment and management
Assessment and management of common issues experienced in hospital – for example, analgesia, constipation
Early discharge planning together with multidisciplinary team

TOPS is led by a geriatrician together with a multidisciplinary team. We apply principles of comprehensive geriatric assessment and management. We lead medical care, perioperative care and discharge planning.

Who can use our service

We typically review and care for patients admitted to the Trauma unit who are aged 65 years or older. Older people with geriatric syndromes with complex healthcare and discharge planning needs are most likely to benefit from TOPS input.

We have a hybrid structure; older patients who experience trauma may be cared for by the Trauma unit with TOPS input or come under the primary care of the TOPS team. The Trauma and TOPS teams work very closely together to ensure the surgical and medical needs of this high-risk group are met to a high standard.

For patients

For health professionals

Appointments

For all new appointments, contact the Direct Access Unit on (03) 8387 2333

To cancel or reschedule a booked appointment, contact the Clinical Centre on (03) 8387 2194

What to bring

Every time you come

Every time you come in for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:

Medicare card
Health Care card (if you have one)
Concession card (if you have one)
Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)