Working alongside the NHS Eastern Services

With 1 in 3 hospital beds taken by individuals who are fit for discharge, health and social services in East Devon are testing a new project to reduce hospital admissions if they aren’t needed.

To kick start this initiative Bluebird Care NEW Devon has been selected to work alongside the NHS Eastern services, using a team of trained Care Assistants who have become Roving Responders.

Who are the Roving Responders?

The roving responders are a trained group of professional Care Assistants who will be on hand to help individuals who may need extra assistance before or after an emergency hospital visit. Each assistant has been chosen for their experience and outstanding dedication to care within Bluebird Care and with support from the NHS, they have received additional training to ensure they are fully equipped for any situation.

“Our team of 4 have received additional training from the NHS to ensure they are equipped with knowledge and expertise to add value to the existing clinical emergency intervention team, who do such a brilliant job but are stretched. We hope we can help deliver further support working alongside them.” - Sharon Wilkinson, Bluebird Care Operations Director

Why do we need the Roving Responders?

By offering a flexible and responsive twilight service we can prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and aid in the timely discharge of patients under the care of the Virtual Ward. This assistance may include welfare checks, medication administration, patient repositioning, transfer support, or essential reassurance, particularly for individuals who are deemed medically stable but still require support.

The Roving Responders, working in collaboration with the Out of Hours Nursing team, will focus on facilitating patient discharges from various hospital units. Their primary responsibility is to provide a supportive response at the patient's residence, ensuring that their needs are addressed and that necessary arrangements, such as medication and equipment, are in place as outlined in their care plan.

This pilot test aims to establish a pathway for patients who are deemed suitable for discharge but require minimal support to transition back to their homes safely or to avoid hospital admissions altogether. Clinical decision-making will guide whether discharge or admission avoidance is appropriate, considering the unique risk factors associated with each individual.

“This is a fantastic partnership opportunity, working with the eastern NHS emergency support teams to really shape customers' experiences and journeys. This preventative approach will also enable more people to receive care and clinical intervention earlier and at home, rather than long waits in hospitals for a bed and to be seen.” Sharon Wilkinson

Shaping the future of emergency intervention

The Roving Responder partnership is in its infant stages, however, we have confidence that our team can help take some of the pressure away from emergency services and give patients a new avenue to access help. How many of us avoid going to the hospital due to long wait times and crowded wards? We aim to encourage independence and keep people in their own homes if possible.

We look forward to seeing the results of this program and will continue to offer quality care support across Devon. If you or a loved one are considering home care services, contact us today to arrange a free assessment.