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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 Red Cross provides help for people when they first arrive home from hospital.
Information for patients and relatives
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:
- help you fill out various forms
- collect pensions or other benefits
- assist you with preparing meals/snacks
- do some essential shopping when you have been discharged
- 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
- carry out light housework tasks e.g. hoovering, dusting, tidying up in your main living area or help with bed-making.
We cannot however:
- perform any personal care
- give medication or change dressings
- offer long-term befriending or advocacy
- be a substitute for any statutory service.
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 patients living in Buckinghamshire being discharged to places within 10 miles of Stoke Mandeville, Wycombe General and Amersham hospitals (subject to assessment and volunteer availability).
How do I apply?
Fill in the referral form before your admission. For help, phone 01296 316626 or 07738 944610, or alternatively email HfHBucks@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 organisation 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 Records 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, you are unhappy with the service for any reason or can offer suggestions for improvement please speak to the service co-ordinator on 01296 316626. 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 01296 316626 or email HfHBucks@redcross.org.uk
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