Red Cross to help hundreds of elderly stay out of hospital with new service

THE British Red Cross is to help 350 older orthopaedic patients a year with a service that starts today.

The service aims to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and re-admissions, helping prevent isolation and rebuilding confidence in over 60s in north and west Leeds who have received orthopaedic or muscular skeletal treatment.

The Home from Hospital service will see Red Cross volunteers work with patients to help them to remain independent in their own homes. Typical help includes providing emotional support or companionship, assistance with shopping, getting to health appointments, form filling and collecting prescriptions. The scheme, which is being funded by the British Red Cross, will work with those who live in the north or west of Leeds, and people will typically be referred to the service by their GPs or other health professionals. Marjorie Ashbrook, 85, from Cookridge, is one of the first beneficiaries to use the service, after falling and breaking her hip in May. She said:

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“It has been very reassuring to know that someone is there if I need extra help.” Beth Mabey, who has been visiting Marjorie as part of the Home from Hospital service, said: “It is a great feeling being able to contribute to the community and help people in need.”

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