A new initiative has been launched to increase home care packages and offer support to more people across Bath and North East Somerset when they leave hospital.
The launch of the service coincides with a recruitment campaign aiming to attract people into the care industry via the NHS.
Jointly led by Bath & North East Somerset Council and the Royal United Hospital, the B&NES Home Care Service will create a new in-house team of health and social care workers.
The home care scheme aims to provide help for people recovering from hospital and in turn free up hospital beds for new admissions as well as those in the community.
It will also provide new professional opportunities for home care staff.
For prospective applicants, the new joint in-house team offers the chance to develop both care and health skills, making it attractive for people looking for a starting point for career opportunities across the NHS and social care, as well as those who would like a long term career in a new sort of care.
Frontline staff will be employed by the RUH, and will receive NHS staff benefits, but will also have access to training courses run by both the RUH and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adults and Council House Building, said: “There are unprecedented pressures on the health and care system due to Covid 19 and staff shortages.
“The situation requires an innovative response and this is one of a range of services that have been developed locally to help people leave hospital once they are medically fit for discharge.
“We want to ensure that patients leaving hospital get the best home care support we can provide to support their recovery.
“Bath and North East Somerset has a strong tradition of promoting integrated working in health and social care and this new initiative builds on that tradition to improve the services our communities receive.”
Simon Sethi, Chief Operating Officer, Royal United Hospitals Bath, said: “This collaborative development between the hospital and social care is a great step for residents of the county and will help more patients get home once they are ready to leave hospital.
“This in turn helps ensure we have capacity within the hospital to care for those who need it most. The new service also provides excellent career opportunities for those looking to join the NHS and make a real difference to their local community.”
The service encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
Applications from people who don’t have experience of care work, but have a heart for improving the wellbeing of vulnerable people in the community, are being especially welcomed as full training will be given.
Flexible working patterns are available to enable staff to fit work around their study or home life commitments.
Details of how to apply can be found here.
