Weston Area Health NHS Trust (WAHT), along with 28 other NHS trusts, are working with charity partners Age UK, Royal Voluntary Service and British Red Cross on projects to improve support for patients.
The Government has given £1.2m in grant funding to the three charities to put in place 12 week projects in these 29 trusts. The aim of the project is to support people most at risk of admission to hospital and who need extra support when they are discharged, such as older people living alone without a support network.
At Weston General Hospital, Weston Area Health NHS Trust has already been working with the British Red Cross since 2013. Called the ‘Red Cross A&E Assisted Discharge Programme’ Red Cross volunteers help patients ease back into their homes after hospital stays.
Nick Wood, Chief Executive, said: “We’ve been working with the Red Cross in helping patients get the right support when there is no one to help them out. This new project trial funding will not only help ease pressure on discharging patients from our hospital but more importantly, help people get the support they need at home.”
Colleen Cleevely, British Red Cross Director in Somerset, added: “Going home after being in hospital can be a daunting prospect, especially if you live alone or have little support available to you. Our team will be on hand to give people a lift home and help them settle in, checking that the house is warm, fridge is stocked up and contacting family, friends and local services to make sure that the right follow up support is in place.”