Scotland’s social care minister visited a Lanarkshire-based ‘home recovery’ service yesterday which is speeding up hospital discharge and supporting people to live independent lives.
Tom Arthur, minister for social care and mental wellbeing, paid tribute to the home assessment team who are working to support people as they move from hospital settings back to their own homes.
The team carries out an ongoing assessment of each eligible person’s specific needs in their home with wrap-around support for up to two weeks and often sees them within hours of their discharge from hospital.
Made up of a range of health and social care staff, the team will agree with the patient what their goals are and what their assessment should focus on.
Some people won’t need support when returning home but may benefit from some equipment or technology to help with daily living tasks.
Several of the partnership’s staff were also on hand to share the importance of the Frailty Hub and proactive working in helping patients leave hospital so that they can remain part of their communities.
Staff told the Minister how they have dramatically cut the number of people whose discharges are being delayed through programmes such as the Wishaw Enabling Hub work, and the Discharge Without Delay and Planned Date of Discharge initiatives.
Mr Arthur said: “I was delighted to meet the Home Assessment team who are making good progress in addressing delayed discharges. It was heartening to hear how they are supporting people in their own homes after they’ve been discharged from hospital and how they play a key role preventing people from hospital admission in the first place.
“This is a good example of the work taking place across the country to make sure people can leave hospital as soon as they’re ready to do so.”
Claire Rae, chief officer, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Hospital is the right place for specialised care when people are very sick, however studies show that people recover better in their own homes with the support of family and friends.
“Our highly skilled staff are committed to cutting delayed discharges and continue to make progress in making sure people don’t have to stay in hospital any longer than strictly necessary. Designed to cut the number of delayed discharges, this work also plays a role in freeing up beds for those most in need.
“Today was an important opportunity to showcase their great work to the Minister and show him the positive impact their dedication is having on people who can now recover in their own homes.
“By assessing each eligible person’s needs in their own environment, our teams can work with people to assess what they’re managing well and what might be a bit more challenging. The team can aid recovery, building up of strength and how people can undertake daily tasks safely and independently.”
