A new member of Age UK B&NES staff has been recruited to help more vulnerable patients settle back home after a stay in hospital.
Cynthia Alford is the charity’s new hospital discharge worker based at the RUH in Bath; she joins Amanda Stanton who has also worked as a discharge co-ordinator since 2013.
Age UK B&NES’ Home from Hospital scheme operates at the RUH and also at St Martin’s Hospital, The Mineral Hospital and Paulton Hospital and is for anyone aged over 18 who lives in the Bath and North East Somerset Area.
It provides short-term practical help for up to four weeks following discharge for people who need extra support.
This could include transport home and settling in, making sure people are safe, warm and comfortable, help with shopping, help with light meals or arrangements for meals, fetching prescriptions, light cleaning and providing information about other useful organisations.
The Home from Hospital service is jointly funded by NHS B&NES Clinical Commissioning Group and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Cynthia, who worked as a nurse for 36 years, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting different people every day and supporting them to go home.
“This service gives that extra piece of mind and reassurance needed to make that transition home with confidence. I am looking forward to being part of this expanding service and working for Age UK B&NES.”
Comments from people who have benefited from the service include:
“The gentleman who brought me home from the RUH was wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer man.”
“It’s so good to know there are kind people willing to help. Many thanks to all concerned.”
“The assistance with transport home was invaluable. The lady was extremely patient and helpful when I was waiting for discharge documentation.”
Janet Dabbs, chief executive of Age UK B&NES, said: “Home from Hospital is an essential service that we know makes a big different to many people. Since we started running the service over 20 years ago, demand has increased year on year so I’m delighted to welcome Cynthia to the team.”
To find out more about the service, contact Age UK B&NES on 01225 462641 or email [email protected]
