PATIENTS being discharged from Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital have been receiving support from the British Red Cross during the winter months.
The charity has been supporting patients leaving hospital during this busy period with its assisted discharge service.
Red Cross staff and volunteers have been providing support to vulnerable people to leave hospital when they are ready for discharge, either as inpatients or from A&E.
The team provides support and reassurance during the process of discharge and will then transport the patient home.
Once home the team helps the person to settle, make a hot drink and a light snack and ensure the heating is switched on.
They will also alert neighbours and friends the person is home and ensure the Lifeline service is working.
If necessary, an emergency groceries shop will be carried out on the way home. The team is also able to signpost on to other organisations and agencies offering further support.
The service – which is run by 14 staff and volunteers - began operating in mid-January and has supported around 120 patients so far.
Alison Lynch, chief nurse and director of quality governance at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “The presence of the Red Cross volunteers at the hospital over winter has been hugely appreciated.
“They’re a great reassurance for patients to have, and they’re helping us to allow patients to get home where they want to be sooner, which is not only good news for them but also helps us to maintain the right number of beds in the hospital for all our patients.”