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The British Red Cross provides short-term care and support in the home for people after an accident or illness, giving them the confidence to continue their daily lives.
As part of this service, the British Red Cross provides help for people when they first arrive home from hospital.
Information for patients and relatives in Oxfordshire wishing to use the home from hospital service
Do you live alone or have family or friends who may find it difficult to help you when you first arrive home from hospital? This service is how we are able to help. The sort of help depends upon your needs. For example you may want someone to:
- do some essential shopping when you have been discharged
- collect pensions or other benefits
- assist you with preparing meals/snacks
- carry out light housework tasks e.g. hoovering, dusting, tidying up in your main living area or help with bed making
- help you fill out various forms
- top up your gas/ electricity cards or take your bills in to be paid
- just sit with you offering conversation and companionship, and help you access other services if required.
We cannot:
- perform any personal care
- give medication or change dressings
- be a substitute for any statutory service
- offer long term befriending or advocacy.
This free service is offered for up to two weeks and is provided by trained British Red Cross staff and volunteers. It is available to all adult patients being discharged from hospital into the Oxon area (subject to assessment and volunteer availability).
How do I apply?
Fill in the referral form before your admission. For help, phone 01865 760555 or 077380 24275, or alternatively email HfHOxon@redcross.org.uk. You can also speak to your GP, nursing or occupational therapy staff.
What will happen then?
After the initial assessment visit, a further support visit will be arranged at a time that suits both you and the volunteer. Normally each patient receives two visits but requests for further support will be assessed as appropriate.
Confidentiality
We offer confidentiality to everyone who uses our service. Any information gained by us from those using our services, including your contact with us, will not be passed on to anyone outside the organisation without your permission. The only exception to this is when it is evident a danger is posed to yourself or others in your household whereby you will be informed of who, why and what outside agency is being contacted.
Equal opportunities
As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the British Red Cross acknowledges and respects the cultural and religious diversity that exists within the UK. The British Red Cross believes that by drawing on and valuing diversity, the Society will be enriched, and its ability to provide assistance to people in need will be strengthened.
How can I be sure of receiving a safe and high quality of service?
The volunteers who deliver this service:
- have passed Criminal Record Bureau screening
- are only accepted following our formal selection procedures
- have undertaken a high standard of training, and
- are insured whilst on duty.
Quality and Standards
We aim to ensure that all clients using our services are given the highest level of provision. If however, for any reason you are unhappy with the service or can offer suggestions for improvement please speak to the service co-ordinator on 01865 760555. We also operate a complaints policy, a copy of this can be obtained from the service co-ordinator or from the services manager on 01296 739301. Alternatively you can speak to the member of medical staff who referred you for the service.
Further information
If you would like further information or are interested in becoming a volunteer for this service, please contact us on 01865 760555 or email HfHOxon@redcross.org.uk
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