Red Cross - Changes to Provision

From 5 October changes, requested by service commissioners to enable the service to move to a model where it is able to provide more acute support over a shorter period of time for individuals aged 50+ who require post discharge support.  The key changes to the service will be as follows:

• The service will only be able to provide up to a maximum of 4 days support for individuals who require post discharge support (under exceptional circumstances this can be extended to 10 days).
• The operating hours of the service will change from 9am to 5pm to 9am to 7pm Mon-Fri.
• The service will not be able to accept referrals for individuals who have already received a post discharge package of support from the Reablement Service.  However, the servcie will still be able to provide complimentary support alongside th Reablement Service.
• Under the new model the Red Cross Support at Home service will be able to provide the following support to service users:
• Preparing the service user's home prior to their discharge
• Supporting service user with use of any Telecare equipment
• Practical support including collecting prescriptions & shopping
• emotional support and confidence building
• signposting/referral on to other support agencies
• The provision of transport to enable attendance at local appoitment.s
• The 4 current schemes will continue to operate and referrals to those schemes can be made via telephone/email/in person (contac tel nos & office addresses unchanged).  Under the new service model the Team Leaders of the 4 schemes wil also be attending all neighboring Diestrict General Hopsitals on a weekly basis to receive referrals for Powys based patients but will no longer attend MDT meetings at Community Hospitals.
• the 3 schemes covering the Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire & Brecon areas will have additional Support worker provision to ensure staff cover across the week.

For further information on ther service changes please contact Glyn Evans, Powys Service Manager on 01874 611984 or via email on GEvans@redcross.org.uk