A scheme called Home from Hospital Packs has just been launched to provide support to predominately older people being discharged from the Caterham Dene Community Hospital in Surrey.
The initiative has been developed by a joint working group involving Rotary Caterham, Surrey County Council’s adult social care team in Tandridge and Waitrose Caterham.
The need was identified by the social care team based at Caterham Dene Hospital.
They observed that a number of patients were often living alone, then upon home arrival lacked bare essentials such as milk, tea, bread, breakfast cereal and toothpaste.
A process has now been set up where the hospital will advise both Rotary Caterham and Waitrose of a patient being discharged.
The aim will be to fill a special shopping bag straightaway and for the goods to be given to the person on discharge from the hospital.
Marnie Cotterill, social care development coordinator with Tandridge team, said: “We are really grateful to Caterham Rotary and Waitrose & Partners for supporting this idea.
“It will really benefit those in need at a time when they may feel at their most vulnerable and ensure a more comfortable first 24 hours following their discharge from hospital.”
This is a great example of how working in partnership is benefitting people in Surrey and will really help those in need by making sure they feel comfortable on their return home from hospital.”
Mel Few, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, praised the scheme pointing out the enormous benefits it will provide for the community.
She added: “This is a great example of how working in partnership is benefitting people in Surrey and will really help those in need by making sure they feel comfortable on their return home from hospital.”
Caterham Rotary’s project leader, Geoff Loveday responded saying: “We are very pleased to be able to support this initiative which has recognised a real need in our community.”
