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| Becky Community Connector L6 | Lauren Community Connector B6 |
Northern Care Alliance and Wellbeing Matters Collaborate to Improve Patient Discharge on B6 and L6 wards at Salford Royal Hospital
NHS England’s vision for Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) focuses on providing patients with timely access to the right care, in the right place. While hospitals are essential for severely ill patients, many individuals benefit from care in settings outside of hospitals. This approach aims to enhance patient-centred care, with services provided closer to home or in more integrated environments.
From March 2025, Wellbeing Matters (Salford CVS) has partnered with Salford Royal Hospital to improve patient discharge experiences and reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions. This collaboration will involve placing two Wellbeing Matters Community Connectors on two wards to streamline discharge processes and ensure patients receive adequate support during and after their hospital stay.
The initiative aligns with Salford CVS and Wellbeing Matters’ commitment to improving the wellbeing of local residents by ensuring discharges are handled carefully and with ongoing support. The pilot will embed the Community Connector role in Salford Royal’s discharge wards B6 and L6, focusing on ensuring that patients’ needs are addressed during the transition from hospital to home.
The Wellbeing Matters Community Connector uses a strengths-based, social prescribing approach that centres the patient’s needs. This approach helps identify specific needs during discharge and aims to create a seamless transition from hospital to home, supporting patients in avoiding re-admission by connecting to support in their community.
Key Objectives of the Partnership:
- Building Strong Relationships: The Community Connector will collaborate with ward staff, including patient pathway and flow facilitators, to identify patients who need additional community support, aiding in their timely discharge.
- Promoting Independence: In partnership with the 'Days Kept Away from Home Collaborative,' the initiative will work with patients and their families to promote independence during and after their hospital stay.
- Person-Centred Conversations: The Community Connector will conduct strength-based, person-centred conversations with patients and their families to ensure they receive the necessary social and physical support for a successful discharge.
- Assessing Needs: The Community Connector will evaluate the specific support required for patients to return home safely and independently.
- Connecting to Community Resources: The initiative will link patients to local community resources that address their unique needs.
- Ongoing Support: The Community Connector will assist patients in accessing support services, including accompanying them to initial sessions to ensure integration into community support systems.
For more information on the Wellbeing Matters Community Connector or to get involved, contact Nicola Spiby-Roberts at Nicola.spiby-roberts@salfordcvs.co.uk or visit the Wellbeing Matters webpage.
