Bath’s Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse visited the city’s Community Wellbeing Hub, based at the Royal United Hospital, on Wednesday 28th August.
Wera Hobhouse during her visit to the Community Wellbeing Hub
The Hub is run in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, its prime provider HCRG Care group, the hospital itself and 23 delivery partners, to create a joined-up approach to the delivery of post-hospital stay care services.
Established just before COVID-19 hit in March 2020, the Hub’s vision for a practical collaboration between the different service providers was given a boost by the removal of barriers during the pandemic, and has quickly become an extremely efficient and effective operation.
According to NHS England, there are more than 12,000 patients every day in hospital despite being medically fit to go home, and data suggests that the cost of these discharge delays in 2022/2023 was at least £1.7 billion at a time when the NHS is pushing to find cost savings.
At the RUH prior to the establishment of the Hub, there were an average of 75 clinically well patients waiting to go home at any one time.
With the Hub acting as the central triage, and using a secure and sophisticated referral management system developed by local Bath-business RIVIAM, the ward teams are able to complete one simple Onward Referral Form.
This provides the patient with quick and seamless access to a wide range of available community, housing and voluntary services – and the average “NCtR” (“No Criteria to Reside”) count has as a result reduced to less than 30.
During her visit, Wera met with Dave Dixon, B&NES Community Engagement Manager, Simon Allen and Kate Morton of lead partners Age UK B&NES and BathMIND respectively, Paul Targett of RIVIAM, and Pauline Swaby-Wallace and Edie Allen of the Hub itself.
She heard how the Hub’s fast-tracking has more than halved the numbers of in-patients waiting to check out.
An average of 900 referrals for over 400 patients are made per month, across over 80 services areas as varied as Financial and Money Matters, Keeping Active and Healthy and accessing food.
Wera Hobhouse commented: “It is fantastic to see firsthand the incredible work the Community Wellbeing Hub is doing to streamline care services at the RUH.
“Bringing together the Council, healthcare providers in the city and third sector groups, the Hub is a great example of how collaboration can result in faster, more effective access to essential services for residents.
“It is a real success story for Bath and I want to thank everyone involved for their dedication and hard work.”
Councillor Alison Born, B&NES cabinet member for adult services, added: “The Community Wellbeing Hub project has been a great success, helping residents access a range of health and wellbeing services.
“It’s great that the Hub has a presence at the RUH Atrium, to ensure that people leaving hospital can get the support, information and advice that they need.
“This is all about helping people regain their independence and keep well. I’m delighted that Wera has been able to highlight this vital service and meet some of the staff involved.”
