A local service pulled out all the stops for celebrity guest, Esther Rantzen CBE during the official opening of Midland Heart’s brand new Cedarwood service at Good Hope Hospital.
Cedarwood, a revolutionary new service brought to Good Hope Hospital by Housing and Care Organisation, Midland Heart, supports patients who are medically fit and due to be discharged but need additional support to get back on their feet before returning home.
An existing ward has been re- developed to provide a 29 –private bed purpose built reablement facility based within the grounds of Good Hope Hospital.
The service, which began taking referrals on 24 November 2013, was officially opened by journalist and television presenter, Esther Rantzen who said: “Older people are often criticised for ‘bed-blocking’ in hospitals, what isn’t considered is why they’re not ready to return, in some cases it’s simply not safe for them”
“Here we have a service complete with 24-hour support, curtains, carpet and garden all of which leads to a very positive experience for patients. Cedarwood is such a simple idea, it now needs to be replicated around the country”
“A person-led care plan enables people to regain their confidence and re-familiarise themselves with essential personal skills required to help them live independently again while reducing the chances of re-admission to hospital once discharged,” says Sarah Clee, Head of Older Peoples’ services.
In the first 8 weeks of operation Cedarwood has seen over 80 customers come through their doors and complete the process of reablement getting them ready to return home.
Mark Newbold, chief executive of Good Hope Hospital said of the new service: “The service offers much more than a classic hospital environment and is designed to help bridge the gap between acute inpatient care and return to independent living. Residents are encouraged to participate in activities daily whilst developing their skills to aid their independence and mobility.
“This will help our patients return home, and reduce the chances of re-admission to hospital. Whilst Cedarwood is not a medical facility, it will provide specialist care to support re-enablement allowing people to be totally independent or return home with a package of care.”
The event was attended by representatives of Midland Heart, Good Hope hospital and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust along with other stakeholders, customers and staff.
