Assembly Member for Wrexham Lesley Griffiths has praised a volunteer-led service that helps support patients after their medical and nursing needs have been met.
The British Red Cross Home from Hospital care scheme operates across North Wales and local AM Griffiths recently visited the Wrexham branches’ headquarters at the Maelor Hospital.
The scheme relies on volunteers who visit and help thousands of people following a short stay at hospital. They also prevent unnecessary hospital admissions by providing extra support and care at home.
Certain people might not be fortunate enough to have family or friends to aid their recovery so the programme offers service users the chance to get back into a regular routine, enabling individuals to regain their confidence and independence.
Often the Red Cross volunteers help with relatively simple tasks such as collecting prescriptions, offering companionship and assisting with shopping. All of these little things add up and make a significant difference to the lives of vulnerable service users across Wrexham.
The team based in Wrexham make around 270 visits a year.
After her visit, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“It was great to meet the Red Cross Home from Hospital team and witness first-hand the fantastic work they do in our community.”
“The care scheme makes a real difference to patients’ lives and offers a priceless service that enables individuals to rebuild their confidence and live an independent life.”
“Not only does it provide a real lifeline to the patients involved, the Homes from Hospital team also helps save the Welsh NHS money as the service helps prevent admissions and readmissions to hospital.”
“For further information on the Home from Hospital programme or becoming a volunteer, log onto www.redcross.org.uk or call 01978 725204.”
