New service launched in Wiltshire to help people regain independence after hospital stays
It should help those struggling to get back to their daily lives
A new care service to help people regain independence after hospital stays has been launched in Wiltshire.
The initiative, named 'Wiltshire Support at Home', will work with NHS Rapid Response to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
WSAH has already been piloted around the county, with residents saying it has helped them return to normal routines after hospital stays.
Now, it will be rolled out across the Wiltshire Council area and seeks to ensure people can remain in their homes rather than being admitted to hospital, as well as supporting those recently discharged.
'It can be a daunting time to adjust to life at home'
Cabinet member for adult social care, Jane Davies, said:
"Most people look forward to leaving hospital and getting back into their normal routines and familiar surroundings, but it can be a daunting time to adjust to life at home.
"We have piloted our service and we know this has worked well. We will roll this out across the county so more people can benefit from this service to help them live a comfortable life at home".
WSAH will be available to help people with personal care, food preparation, daily living activities and access to local resources and facilities as they start to take the steps towards becoming independent again.
The service is jointly funded with the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
'Prolonged hospital stays can lead to preventable health issues'
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality at BSW CCG, added:
"While it is absolutely right that people who are acutely unwell should be cared for on a ward, spending more time than necessary in hospital, especially when a doctor has said the patient is well enough to go home, can ultimately have a negative effect on recovery.
"Prolonged hospital stays can lead to preventable health issues, such as muscle loss and pressure sores, which is why this new initiative that will support people to continue their recovery at home is so important".