Date:
A new hospital discharge support service is leading the way in linking patients discharged from local hospitals with borough council services, to support them in their transition from a healthcare setting, to home.
Dedicated council officers are now based within local hospitals to be on-hand at the point of discharge. They work with patients who have been identified as requiring non-complex, ongoing care, to help them easily access the support they need to regain their independence once back at home.
On discharge from hospital, Discharge Officers will assist patients to create a bespoke care plan with individual goals identified, linking them directly to council services such as community meals, handyperson service, social prescribing and even housing. The process ensures that residents can start benefitting from the services as soon as they arrive home.
Speaking about the new services, Cllr Debbie Harlow, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Living Well and Wellbeing Services, said: “I am delighted that this innovative new scheme has placed us at the forefront of wellbeing service provision as an Integrated Care partnership which bases officers directly in the hospital setting.
“The service enables patients leaving hospital to settle back at home with the peace of mind that they will continue to have access to services and support, despite no longer being in hospital, with the aspiration of reducing re-admittance numbers further down the line and therefore relieving pressure on front line services.
“The Council has worked with patients at point of discharge from hospital for many years, however, the increased partnership working seamlessly links the services far more closely and makes a big difference to vulnerable people at a time when they need it most.”
The service is funded by the North West Surrey Alliance Board and Offered to all vulnerable patients across North West Surrey needing support on discharge from Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, Walton Community Hospital and Woking Community Hospital. To find out more, email NWSDischargeSupport@woking.gov.uk or visit www.woking.gov.uk/livingwell