Agenda item

(a)       That the presentation be noted;

(b)       That the Member Engagement Manager would make arrangements for the ‘Home from Hospital’ scheme and Red Cross preventative services to become more widely known, through the Community Services management structure; and

(c)        That the Member Engagement Manager agreed to send a communication to Members to encourage them to publicise the ‘Home from Hospital ‘ scheme in their community newsletters

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Tom Hughes, British Red Cross Services Manager, Flintshire and Wrexham, and invited him to give a presentation on the work undertaken  by the Red Cross in Flintshire.

Mr. Hughes provided background information and an overview of the  services offered locally.  He explained the Red Cross held a local base at HolywellCommunity Hospital, Flintshire, and Wrexham MaelorHospital, Wrexham, and that its services were open to anyone aged over 18.  He advised that the Red Cross would visit individuals at home or in hospital to assess the help they required. The main points of the presentation were:

·        Home from Hospital – a short term support service offered to those returning home from a stay in hospital.  Mr. Hughes explained that the service was funded by the Authority and provided help with practical issues around daily life, companionship, emotional support, advice, and carer support.  The aim of the service was to prevent readmission to hospital.  Mr. Hughes explained that this service had been instigated by Neil Ayling, now the Director of Community Services at Flintshire County Council, some years previously.  It was a model which had been adapted for use across the country.

·        Medical Equipment Loan Service - to provide a loan of items of medical equipment such as wheelchairs.

·        Emergency Carers Card

·        Gofal – a service which promoted the wellbeing and welfare of people over 50 by offering companionship and support as well as enabling people to access local activities and groups

·        Winter Specific Service Provision to provide a fast response to anyone in crisis

·        Practical Assistance Line – to provide a direct link to the charity most appropriate to give support and practical assistance 

·        Community based First Aid

Mr Hughes provided additional information relating to the work undertaken by the Red Cross in schools to assist with integration into local communities, support provided to isolated vulnerable individuals in rural areas, and the response to the recent flood alerts around Flintshire.   

The Chairman thanked Mr. Hughes for an informative presentation and invited Members to raise questions.

Councillor Robin Guest commented on the issue of individuals who were reluctant to seek help or refused intervention by Social Services.  In his response Mr. Hughes explained that the Red Cross could provide a vital link in such circumstances as the organisation was familiar to the general public, particularly the elderly, and seen as a “trusted friend” to act on their behalf.  He also explained that where support was required for longer than the short term the Red Cross would maintain assistance to the individual until further specialist services were put in place.

Responding to the further comments and questions raised by Members, Mr. Hughes expressed the need to raise awareness of the services provided by the Red Cross within Flintshire.   It was agreed that the Member Engagement Manager would make arrangements for the ‘Home from Hospital’ scheme and Red Cross preventative services to become more widely known, through the Community Services management structure.  It was also suggested that it would be helpful if information about the ‘Home from Hospital’ scheme could be included in local community newsletters/publications.  The Member Engagement Manager agreed to send a communication to Members to encourage them to publicise the ‘Home from Hospital ‘ scheme in their community newsletters.         

   The Chairman thanked Mr. Hughes for his detailed and informative responses to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the presentation be noted;

(b)       That the Member Engagement Manager would make arrangements for the ‘Home from Hospital’ scheme and Red Cross preventative services to become more widely known, through the Community Services management structure; and

(c)        That the Member Engagement Manager agreed to send a communication to Members to encourage them to publicise the ‘Home from Hospital ‘ scheme in their community newsletters