Published: Thursday, 7th September 2023
A joint initiative between the Careline Community Service and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to help local residents return home from hospital sooner is to continue for another 12 months.
'I'm going home', which helped its first resident in September 2019, has been developed by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk to help provide services, free and at speed, which will enable patients to return home safely.
Hospital staff working in the Rapid Assessment and Frailty Team can refer them to the 'I'm going home' service. This means a 'Go' mobile alarm will be provided, free of charge, for six weeks while the patient gets settled back at home. The 'Go' is a mobile version of a Careline alarm which enables patients to summon help just by pressing the button. The device also has GPS tracking so assistance can be sent directly.
Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet member for People and Communities, said:
“We launched this project with the hospital four years ago as we understand the need for people to get home from hospital
“Returning home from hospital can be very stressful for patients not just because of their health, but also because of environmental factors which may lead to isolation or fear of being able to cope. The 'Go' device from our Careline team provides that additional reassurance both for the individual and for their families and reduces anxiety all round. I’m pleased that we will continue to support patients for another 12 months.”
Patients are assessed before being referred to this service, but once referred, set up is quick and easy, with no need for a landline. This enables patients to return home speedily where their recovery is likely to be quicker.
Careline Community Service will contact the patient at the end of the six week period to discuss next steps. Residents who wish to retain the 'Go' service would need to sign up for the paid-for Careline service, discuss alternative products or arrange for the equipment to be returned if it is no longer required. Full details about the Careline service is available at careline-cs.org.uk or by calling 01553 616200.