A view from the inside, at Lincoln County Hospital – March 15th….
Today at Lincoln County Hospital, PACT took their 100th patient home. The client was a 76 year old Gentleman who was very happy to receive the required medical treatment before promptly being taken home. Ordinarily the Gentlemen may have spent a couple of days on the Ward before LA and carers arranged for his return.
In some cases Family live away or are at work when the patient is admitted to A&E. In such cases PACT provide a reassuring Companion and service that is often, able to react quicker than the families. This service is also free to the patient so it is open to all.
This Gentleman, like the 99 before him was escorted home by two qualified PACT members and ‘settled in’.
For some this might mean;
– Ensuring they get access to their home
– That the heating is on
– That they understand their new medication
– That other social care and medical visitors have the correct information for seamless care
– Communicating with neighbours and family
– Eradicating any obvious dangers i.e. the reason for a fall which caused hospital admission in the first place
– Making sure they have enough fresh groceries in the home
– That they have their day-to day belongings in the ‘right place’ (spectacles, commode, walking stick or frame, Telecare system etc).
It is these small things that count, the simple things that provide us with independence and contentment.
In some cases, the PACT Companions may identify a further need for care. In which case, this is reported back to Coordinator and either emergency care or family liaison is initiated.
Today has been a very busy day, there has been a constant turn round from one patient referral to another. The PACT team is very busy, but they are keeping beds clear and preserving patients’ happiness, dignity and independence.
According to estimates, each night lost to bed blocking costs the NHS about £350.
Continuing at the current rate, PACT are creating an approximate saving to the NHS of £8,400 per week – at the Lincoln site alone!
Every hour makes a difference to both the patient and the NHS.
By March 27th, PACT had assisted its 150th client (that’s 150 happier people and an NHS saving of £52,500).
By this date, the Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust had officially announced the service as a permanent feature at LCH!
