The Live Wire



Press Release

British Red Cross responds to rise in 'bed blocking'

8 November 2011

“The rise in so called 'bed blocking' is a scandal which needlessly traps patients in hospital and costs the NHS millions.

“There is an urgent need for better partnership working between hospitals, social care and the voluntary sector, which can help prevent unnecessary delays to discharge as well as reducing readmissions.

“We know that not only do most patients prefer to recover at home if they do not need to be in hospital, but that helping people to live independently in their own homes also aids recovery as well as reducing the workload on hospitals and the NHS

“As a leading voluntary sector provider of social care, the British Red Cross is seeking to expand its services providing short term support to people as they return home from hospital – a study by Bangor University has estimated that, by freeing hospital beds and reducing the chances of re-admission, one of our home from hospital services offered potential annual savings to the NHS of £100,000.

“Opening up greater opportunities for voluntary organisations to utilise their skills and experiences with social services and hospitals would provide a powerful partnership working to end 'bed blocking' and importantly ensure a better quality of care for the patient.”

Mike Adamson, British Red Cross, Managing Director of Operations

Testimonials from service users

“I can only say how very helpful this “Home from hospital/Care in home service” was. I do not have any family or living friends now to help in an emergency and I would have felt isolated without your service as I gradually made myself more independent thanks to you.”

“Mum was very depressed when she came out of hospital. She was worried about being re-admitted.

“Your volunteer gave her confidence and helped with her recovery. I am not able to offer the support I would want. So mum is alone in this area. Thank you for all your support”

“I was seriously ill and had given up all hope of getting better but the help I got back gave me back my fight and determination. Without this service, I am sure I would no longer be here.”



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