Patients, relatives and carers will benefit from additional support now that a service is expanding.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn is working with West Norfolk Carers, The British Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK Norfolk to offer greater support to people in the area.
Age UK Norfolk will be running a weekly café at the hospital alongside the events which are already held by West Norfolk Carers within the foyer.
Red Cross already runs a support service from the hospital which helps patients to regain their independence after being discharged.
All five organisations will now be working together to offer information and advice to patients along with offering help with a range of problems, such as benefit forms. The extended service will be running from Friday, 1 July.
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Lead Emma Harrison said this extended service is going to make a big difference to patients.
She said: “We will be offering a greater support network for patients, their relatives and carers. This extended service will ensure that they are not alone and provide them with a place to turn to after they have left hospital.
“The service could help with form filling or even be a listening ear.”
A carers café is run in the main entrance on Tuesdays and Fridays by West Norfolk Carers, which aims to signpost people to other services if needed along with providing support.
Age UK Norfolk will now be holding a café on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm to offer support and guidance. Alzheimer’s Society will also be supporting this work.
The Red Cross visits patients after they have been discharged to help boost confidence and independence along with offering companionship. The charity also helps with shopping and collecting prescriptions.
Leaflets detailing all four charities and how they can help will be circulated among hospital staff to signpost patients in need to the relevant service. All of the organisations will also be able to refer inquiries onto each other.
Director of nursing Catherine Morgan said: “We are really pleased to be working with the charities to help improve the experience for our patients along with their families and carers. This extended service will ensure that people find the appropriate guidance to help solve the issues they are facing.”
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