Hospital Discharge Service set to continue

A SERVICE which has helped hundreds of older people in Plymouth when they return home after long stays in hospital is set to continue.

- CLARE AINSWORTH

Age UK Plymouth has had its contract to run the Hospital Discharge Service renewed by NHS Devon, allowing the charity to provide fourweek care packages to more than 600 more patients returning home.

Age UK Plymouth CEO David Wood said: “As one of our newest functions, the Hospital Discharge Service is a fantastic example of how we as a charity are dedicated to innovation to answer the needs of the community. We created this resource as a reaction to the pressures on the NHS locally, and specifically in support of University Hospital Derriford, Mount Gould Hospital and various seasonal care hotels.”

Age UK Plymouth says its experienced team delivers a safe and caring service that understands not only the impact to physical and mental health but also the disruption a long term hospital stay can cause to an person’s life and home.

The four-week packages of care can include a wide variety of help from domestic chores, deep cleans, support with correspondence and admin to prescription collections and assisted trips to build confidence or attend appointments. The Hospital Discharge Service also has access to a gardening and handyperson team to help make adaptations or with maintenance after someone has had ta long spell away from the home in hospital or respite care.