Patient approach of care in community team

AFTER so much bad press recently about the NHS, I must give an airing to a really excellent part of the service of which I have recently had the benefit.

For three weeks in January this year, I was a patient in Dewsbury Hospital. I was then discharged early into the care of Locala’s early discharge support team. I understand the purpose of this team is to provide care services in the community up to the standard required from NHS hospitals. My experience was that they achieved an incredibly high standard, well in excess of their stated aim. The occupational therapists and physiotherapists who visited me at home were amazing. They were professional and respectful yet full of fun, compassionate, encouraging and very supportive to my wife as well as to me. Communication was excellent; they telephoned in good time if they were likely to be late for an appointment.

After an initial home visit by the occupational therapists prior to my discharge from hospital, they quickly organised the fixing of a handrail to the staircase and grab rails in the shower, making life under my new circumstances safer and more convenient.

The OTs and physiotherapists visited me at home for seven weeks after my discharge (an increase from the more usual six weeks), usually five days a week and up to twice a day. If they didn’t have a specific piece of equipment for an exercise (due to lack of funds), they would improvise and make something suitable.

What a fine example they set of caring in the community. The early discharge support team provides a remarkably good service. They are a wonderful, dedicated group of caring people who deserve as much good publicity as possible to help to ensure this service continues.