THE future of a ‘vital’ service helping hospital patients settle back in at home has been secured.

The Royal Voluntary Service has been able to continue its Home from Hospital service at Basingstoke hospital thanks to funding from Simplyhealth.

The service, which has been running for two years, sees volunteers working alongside hospital teams to prepare older patients for discharge and providing up to six weeks of regular home visits to help them settle back in.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke hospital, said: “At Hampshire Hospitals, we put a focus making sure patients are safe to return home as soon as it is right for them and their care needs, and when they have a suitable support network in place.

“The “Home from Hospital” programme really helps with this, particularly for older patients, who may not have friends and family close by or who may just need a little help getting back to normality. It also means patients are able to get home sooner, which is where they want to be. With volunteers providing that extra support and companionship when an older patient returns home, it can improve their health and wellbeing and reduce the chances of readmission.”

Laura Powell, commissioned services operations manager for south west England at the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “This is a really vital service for older people in the community and we are delighted to receive this funding from Simplyhealth. The funding will mean more older people will receive the support of a caring volunteer after a spell in hospital – which we know can make a huge difference.”

The Home from Hospital service in Basingstoke currently has around 20 volunteers, but more are now needed so the charity can take on a greater number of referrals and expand.

Volunteers are required to help settle people back into their homes – providing companionship as well as practical support.

George Costain, 74, lives alone in Basingstoke. He was admitted to hospital with a condition related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which he suffers from.

He was referred to the Royal Voluntary Service and matched with volunteer, Gayle Allington who has helped him get back into the way of home life after discharge.

George said: “I have loved the visits from Gayle. She is a lovely lady and has done so much for me. Gayle has got me out and about and put me in touch with some clubs that I can go to now that I am feeling stronger. I am very grateful to Royal Voluntary Service for sending me this lady”.

Roger Cotton, head of charitable giving at Simplyhealth, said: “We have seen first-hand the difference such a service can make to the everyday health of older people at the point of discharge. The support from the volunteers is fantastic and the expansion of this service will help even more people transition easily when returning home from hospital. We are very pleased and proud to provide this funding for the service in Basingstoke and look forward to continuing our work with Royal Voluntary Service.”

To find out more about becoming a volunteer, contact Tessa Notman-Watt, service manager, Basingstoke Home from Hospital Service on 07736 825307 or email tessa.notman-watt@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.