The Transfer of Care Hub at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has had an exciting development this week as its Home First service has had the opportunity to trial a dedicated transport ambulance to support the Home First patients after a hospital admission.
Home First is a joint Health and Social Care initiative that allows patients to be assessed in their own environment to determine their ongoing care, therapy and equipment needs following on from a hospital admission.
This transport partnership with Mersey Medical will allow Home First staff to travel with their patients providing a safe and comfortable journey home. The vehicle will also support staff during the visit completing equipment collections for any aids that help encourage patients to retain their independence at home.
The vehicle has the ability to transport up to four patients at once providing a drop-off service which supports the expansion of Home First and the much-needed increased number of daily visits the team can provide.
Home First is nationally recommended as the gold standard discharge pathway for patients returning home. This new transport is a really positive addition to the team and the hospital-to-home journey for our patients.