St Mungo's Intermediate Care Pilot
The Intermediate Care Pilot was launched in January 2009. It is run at two hostels by a fulltime senior nurse and a Health Support Worker*, who work with residents to improve their health and wellbeing. The aim is to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital, arrange discharges from hospital when the time is right and to ensure that residents are engaging with the specialist services that they need.
Nicola is a resident at Cedars Road;
"I appreciate the time the staff have given me, I think it's made a change for a lot of us who wouldn't usually [engage with services]".
In 2008 seven residents died whilst living at one of our hostels. But since the launch of the pilot there have been no further deaths. Calls to the London Ambulance Service have also been reduced by 13% and hospital admissions by 40%. At the same time, the length of time spent in hospital has increased. This means people are getting the treatment they need rather than being discharged too early or discharging themselves, and then being readmitted further down the line.
Michael used to be a resident at one of our hostels;
"It was nice having someone believe in me, and give me praise for the changes I have made so far".
Ongoing support and encouragement helps residents can not only deal with their health problems. This is turn has a positive impact on other areas of their lives.
Sam also took part in the pilot;
"The Intermediate care service has improved my health and with the support of staff I had the confidence to get in contact with my family for the first time in years".
Read more about our health work in the latest supporter newsletter: Frontline Winter 2010
Just £15 will pay for a health check with a nurse, visit our online shop to give a homeless person this gift.