Caring where it matters, how we’re bringing care closer to home
Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, we are bringing care closer to you, to help you get well sooner and stay independent in your own home.
You might be used to traditional hospital wards, but most of the time that’s not the best place to be. When we’re older we lose muscle, lose confidence and are more likely to pick up an infection if we spend a week or more in a hospital bed when we do not need to. Sadly sometimes that means people lose their independence and never return home. That’s why the NHS is investing in more services that help keep people out of hospital or bring them home sooner.
Behind the scenes there are teams supporting health professionals to make the best decision about where to support you if you’re ill or injured. Here are some of the services you might come across.
Healthcare in your home if you’re unwell or have a fall
Our X-Ray cars may come to you if you’ve had a fall and there’s a small possibility you may have a broken bone. Almost 9 in 10 people seen by the mobile X-ray team avoid a trip to hospital. The Rapid Falls Response Service helps people who have fallen and cannot get back up and the Right Care Car supports people with frailty or long-term conditions who need urgent intervention at home.
Cath was visited at home by our X-ray car and saved a trip to the emergency department.
“I was never so pleased to see those ladies. They were absolutely fantastic. They made sure I was alright, they got me comfortable.”
The Hospital at Home service provides monitoring, tests and in-person treatments for people who might previously have been treated in hospital. You get the care you need in the comfort of your own home and closer to family and friends. Ask your GP or nurse in charge of the ward if you could be cared for at home instead of in hospital.
Barbara was supported by the hospital at home service when she had a lung infection.
“I was in the comfort of my own home, so I could have a cup of tea when I wanted.”
Tests that used to be in a big “acute” hospital
We will soon have 3 community diagnostic centres in Cornwall – at Bodmin, Camborne and Penzance. They provide tens of thousands of tests much closer to people’s homes, including MRI scans, X-rays and blood tests. Your GP or hospital consultant might refer you for tests there.
Urgent healthcare in the community
When your own GP is closed there’s an out of hours GP service that supports around 250,000 people a year, as well as a crisis line for patients at the end of life.
Primary care hubs have same-day appointments for minor illnesses such as nasty coughs, easing pressure on GP surgeries.
“I did an e-consult this morning because I’ve had a cough for over 10 days and have been feeling quite unwell. Within 20 minutes I had a phone call to say someone could see me this afternoon.” Primary care hub patient.
“I have a cough that’s got worse since I had flu a couple of weeks ago. I did an online consultation. The doctor’s surgery called me back and gave me an appointment for this afternoon” Primary care hub patient.
You might be referred by a healthcare professional, such as a GP, to a Same Day Emergency Care Unit or Community Assessment & Treatment Unit. These provide urgent healthcare without a wait in the emergency department. They can do tests, start treatment and may get you back home the same day.
Community services to help you stay well and find any help you need
The Community Gateway Service is a free helpline 01872 266383, open 8 am–8 pm daily, email: welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk, offering tailored support and connecting you to voluntary services, mental health help, social activities, winter support and more. They’ll listen to what matters to you and what you need help with. They’ve supported over 32,000 people in the last year with issues including finance, caring responsibilities and isolation.
“Since becoming ill I have not really understood anything those I have seen have told me, it made no sense. Thank you for listening to my anxieties and worries and explaining things in a way I can understand. I feel so much less worried now. Amazing, thank you.” Community gateway customer.
Community hubs are warm, welcoming places where people can get advice, make friends, have a hot meal, and try new activities. Find your nearest community hub, what’s on and opening times on this map / online at www.volunteercornwall.org.uk/how-we-help/in-the-community/community-hubs
“We meet new people, chat and receive support from the lovely staff. It helps so much to get stuff off my chest that I can’t tell some people.” Community hub user.
“It’s really changed my life. Before, I spent all of my time alone in my bedroom and so this is wonderful for me, you are all so kind and friendly.” Community hub user.