Specialist unit will support older people leaving hospital (From St Helens Star)

Specialist unit will support older people leaving hospital

11:20am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

OLDER people coming out of hospital will now receive more extensive support at a specialist unit under plans which have been given the green light by St Helens Council’s cabinet.

The council is providing permanent units within its Brookfield Support Centre for vulnerable and frail older people who still require bed based support after hospital.

These will cater for older people who, although deemed medically fit for discharge from hospital, may need a period of short term bed based support to help them prior to returning home or other accommodation.

Brookfield already provides a range of services to supports older people who need additional support to maintain their independence.

In 2012 the council led a pilot scheme operating from the “Duffy Ward” at St Helens Hospital. This trialled early discharge from hospital for vulnerable and frail older people.

Now two permanent units will be created at Brookfield equating to 12 beds. The council will work intensively with the Clinical Commissioning Group, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust and other partners in order to ensure that all stays are short term and there is an appropriate flow of placements.

Councillor Joe Pearson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “The new unit will enable people to leave hospital knowing that they will be receiving the best of care and support in that interim period before they return home or to other accommodation."