This week, First City Nursing & Care have announced a new partnership with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service which could save lives and help people live independently in their own homes by providing help and advice when they need it most.
The two organisations have agreed a five-point referral plan, in which First City Nursing & Care will refer people who might benefit from a visit from the Fire and Rescue Service under their Safe and Well Service. The visits are completely free and aim to help keep individuals and their family safer and healthier in their home. As well as providing advice on safe use of electrical and cooking appliances, the service can fit free smoke detectors and identify further support, where needed.
“First City have been commissioned by Swindon Borough Council to provide all the adult domiciliary care across Swindon and they interact with over 1,400 people who need some form of support each year, so they are ideally placed to embed our Safe and Well referral route across Swindon,” said Ian Jeary, Area Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service. “We expect that up to 1,000 individuals will be referred for our help, by First City Nursing by the end of next year.”
The partners have identified five critical points and triggers, when individuals would particularly benefit from a Safe and Well visit from the Fire and Rescue Service team, such as when they are first discharged from hospital, or when their personal support plan is agreed.
Whilst Safe and Well services exist across the country, the involvement of a private sector organisation is unique.
“We pride ourselves in working differently at First City Nursing & Care,” explained Stephen Trowbridge, managing director of First City Nursing, based in Swindon. “We work proactively, to help individuals live as safely and independently as they are able. This not only gives people the freedom and independence which they want, but is part of what we see as our social responsibility to reduce costs to tax payers, when there are significant pressures on public spending.”
Along with the referral service, the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will deliver driving safety training to First City Nursing staff, who are out delivering care to vulnerable adults daily across Swindon.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offer Safe and Well visits to the most vulnerable in our communities. If you know anyone who has who has care and support needs, hoarding or mental health needs, reduced mobility, lives alone, is over 65, smokes or drinks then they can be referred to the service by calling 0800 038 2323.
For more information on First City Nursing, visit www.firstcitynursing.co.uk or call 01793 434222.
For more information on the Safe and Well visit scheme, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits/ or call 08000382323
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