New mercy crew set to boost health care

A NEW rapid response team of medical professionals began operating in Helensburgh and Lomond this week - aimed at treating adults in their own homes to help them recover from illnesses at a quicker rate.

The Integrated Care Team consists of occupational therapists, physiotherapist, community nurse, social worker/discharge co-ordinator, assistants, equipment store technician and telecare worker.

All are based at the Community Department at Helensburgh"s Jeannie Deans Unit and is part of a scheme which has been rolled out across the area by Argyll and Bute Council"s Social Work Department and NHS Highland.

Mavis Gilfillan, Clinical Services Manager, said: 'The team aims to help support discharged adult patients from hospital and act as an alternative to admission and to maintain patients in their own homes during an acute episode.

'It will also respond to accident and emergency to prevent admission for non-medical reasons.

'The team is not working in isolation, but in conjunction with existing links within hospital, community and social care teams seven days a week.

'People recover quicker in familiar surroundings, but this is not about building dependence, it is about independence. It is quite exciting and we are looking forward to the challenge.'

Until now a similar service was operated from the Vale of Leven Hospital but moving the team to a central site in Helensburgh means the team will be able to provide greater access to vulnerable patients who need short term community support and operate in the town, on the Peninsula, Ardlui and Cardross.

Anne Stewart, Team Leader, said: 'If a patient is medically stable enough to go home, but requires increased special/nursing/rehab support through an acute crisis then professionals may refer to the team

'Suitable patients include those who would be inappropriately admitted to hospital or whose health is acutely deteriorating and require rapid short-term community support.'

Dougie Hunter, Area Resource Manager, said: 'This is part of a national agenda by the government to get people back into their own homes as it is not good practice to keep people in hospital.'

The team, whose patients are referred by health and social care professionals, will treat people who live on their own and for example suffer from chest infections and need help with antibiotics or need physiotherapy after hospital treatment.