Carer Support Wiltshire has launched a new hospital liaison service.
The charity says its scheme will help carers when those they care for are in hospital, and in the often-difficult first few weeks after they return home.
Swindon's Great Western Hospital is among those served.
The service was piloted last year when hospitals were struggling in-the-midst of the pandemic.
Carer Support Wiltshire says the pilot showed the importance of keeping carers informed and consulted at all times, since they are the experts on the care of the person they look after. This was shown particularly to be the case at the point of discharge from hospital, when carers need things such as intermediate care, follow-up appointments and specialist equipment to be in place for the person they care for.
Service team lead Hayley Boland said: “I am delighted to be heading up a new team, which will be working within Bath Royal United, Great Western and Salisbury District hospitals as well as Chippenham, Savernake and Warminster community hospitals.
“Carers need to be fully involved so they are able to make an informed choice about what support they are able to give the person they care for whose needs may have changed or deteriorated.
“Our hospitals are committed to supporting carers, however hospitals are busy places and it’s not always easy to have continuous contact with one person. By working in partnership with each hospital, our team will support the carer and liaise between them and hospital staff and other services who are supporting the cared-for person.
"The aim is to reduce readmission or crisis situations following the discharge of the person they care for.”
Tania Currie, Head of Patient Experience and Engagement and Carers Lead at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are really excited about this new service and the benefits it will bring to our patients and their carers.
"Working together, we will be able to ensure that the correct care and support is in place prior to a patient’s discharge home.”
People can contact the Carer Support Wiltshire Hospital Liaison Team directly by calling 0800 368 7579 or emailing [email protected]
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article