SHORT TERM SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

The British Red Cross

The voluntary sector has a role to play in helping primary care trusts (PCTs) deliver The NHS Plan. With the emphasis on patient centred services and with PCTs having the power to commission services across a whole range of providers, now is the time to take a fresh look at the expertise the voluntary sector generally, and the British Red Cross in particular, can bring to the implementation of The NHS Plan.

The British Red Cross aim is to respond to individuals' short term health and social crisis needs with practical and basic emotional support. We achieve this by delivering a range of services across the UK through our network of area offices. These services include activities which can help primary care trusts meet the government agenda for intermediate care and the National Services Framework for Older People.

One example is our role as a provider of home from hospital schemes, established in partnership with local NHS Trusts and Social Services, which enables patients to be discharged early by helping them settle back home. We also offer similar support to people when their regular carer is not available, or to people to prevent their admission to hospital or long term care. Our care in the home can also include assistance with medical equipment through the loan of, for example, a wheelchair or commode.

Other services we offer can also promote quality of life for patients and their carers. Our therapeutic care service, which involves a simple hand and shoulder massage to reduce pain or stress, is provided in a number of settings, including health centres and GP surgeries.

Throughout the UK, our skilled staff and volunteers work in partnership with service users, health authorities and social services to ensure high quality and flexible services are tailored to meet the needs of local communities.

For further information contact:
British Red Cross
UK Office
9 Grosvenor Crescent
London SW1X 7EJ.
Tel: +44 (0) 7201 5027
Email: information@redcross.org.uk
Web site: www.redcross.org.uk

 

Click here to obtain a copy of THE NAPC REVIEW