Pilot project launches post-discharge welfare calls to prevent readmissions | News
Pilot project launches post-discharge welfare calls to prevent readmissions
Royal Surrey has launched an innovative pilot project in collaboration with Guildford and Waverley Health and Care Alliance and Mole Valley District Council to offer follow-up welfare telephone calls for older patients discharged from hospital.
Guildford and Waverley residents who are over 50, have had a short stay in hospital and are being discharged with no further clinical follow up and have no new care and support needs, now receive a ‘check-in call’ if appropriate, offering them additional support if needed.
The call provides patients who have had a short hospital stay of two to 14 days with an opportunity to say if they are finding it difficult to cope, either physically or emotionally after their discharge.
Since January 2024, around 12 patients a day have benefited from receiving a call from a trained Community Responder employed by Mole Valley District Council, asking them if they need any further support or additional services. The pilot project is planned to continue until the end of March 2025.
Emma Sutton, Delivery Programme Manager for Guildford and Waverley Health and Care Alliance, said: “We know a number of people are at risk of readmission simply because their need was not anticipated. A welfare call can act as reassurance or comfort and be sufficient for most patients, while some may require further signposting to support or a follow up home visit.”
Sarah Holbrook, Royal Surrey’s Lead Nurse, Patient Flow (pictured above) added: “We’ve had very positive feedback from patients who have been called following discharge from hospital. One quick call can make all the difference and allow a person to remain happy and healthy at home, confident that they know how to get the support they need, when they need it.
“We have produced information leaflets about the welfare calls, as we want these to be given to eligible patients being discharged. These are available on all of our wards and should be given to patients who meet the criteria.”
One member of the team contacting patients said that during a follow-up call to a patient, a family member as well as the patient was included in the chat, which was helpful as it allowed them to provide valuable information to both about applying for funding for extra support at home and referrals for social care.