Support service for discharged patients is renewed

A service that entitles local hospital patients to receive support following their discharge from hospital care has been renewed.

On Tuesday, Peterborough City Council's cabinet approved the contract to The British Red Cross Society to continue operating the Discharge Support Service out of Peterborough City Hospital.

The proposal to recommission was taken following assessments that concluded the service was "valuable and impactful."

Councillor Neil Boyce of Peterborough First, cabinet member for adult social care, said the provisions helped "increase the independence and well-being of those who use the service."

The service offers up to six weeks of support for patients above the age of 18, which can include transport home, welfare check-ins, help with prescriptions and shopping, delivery of small equipment and mobility aids, and referrals to local voluntary services.

The current contract was awarded to The British Red Cross Society in 2023 and is due to end on 30 April.

The report presented to the cabinet stated the service would cost a combined maximum of £740,209 (£148,041 per year) over the course of five years.

It stated that the service could help prevent costly readmissions to hospital, with estimated annual savings of between £189,750 and £356,250.

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