First Point Home from hospital service

Helping keep healthy people in their homes

First Point Home from Hospital is a service that helps patients return to independent lives after a stay in hospital. We do this by streamlining the return from hospital to home.

Home from Hospital is available to residents of the Dorset Council area in all Dorset acute and community hospitals. Our team work with people who are experiencing social and environmental barriers that may delay a safe and timely return home. By meeting with patients on the ward, we’re able to offer guidance and/ or practical assistance to resolve issues that may be preventing them from returning home

This service is available for up to 6 weeks.

We help with:

Checking a patient’s home environment is safe and acceptable for them to return to
Linking in with Dorset Council’s Housing team and liaising with landlords
Ensuring appropriate financial support is in place and those returning are confident with budgeting
Check any necessary equipment is in place (medical)
Contacting their GP and wider circle of support to ensure they are aware they are home
Provide post discharge resettlement support in the community
Working in partnership with patients and community services to problem solve and identify sustainable solutions

Emergency department admission avoidance

There is a specific, emergency department admission avoidance service. This is for people who go to the emergency department for treatment, but don’t need to stay in hospital overnight. However, they may still have concerns about going home alone.

We offer this service for up to seven days.

First Point can help with

Contacting people for a welfare check
Visiting people for a welfare check
Checking patients have the basics e.g., shopping
Utilities are topped up (heating, electricity)
Making sure they return home with medication
Have a careline or equivalent set up
GP and circles of support are aware they are home
linking people in with ongoing community support to remain independent in the home

All of this is done to ensure that they feel safe and confident in their own homes. It’s this assurance that helps limit returns to hospital.

First Point Home from Hospital service is available 8.30 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday

email fp.enquiries@theyoutrust.org.uk

Telephone: 0330 123 2550

Alternatively, you may wish to call our Referrals and Discharge Coordinator who is based in Dorset County Hospital Discharge Lounge with Volunteer Centre Dorset.

Telephone: 01305 256903

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