Latest figures revealed the borough had the best rates in west London for getting hospital patients back home quickly and receiving the right support.
This is according to data from NHS North West London, supplied in autumn to councils in the area.
Working closely with the NHS, Ealing Council achieved the quickest turnaround for:
• discharges home with support to help people get back into their own homes
• discharges to care settings for those who need more ongoing help
This success reflects the strength of the borough’s health and social care services working together, with social workers proactively working in hospital wards to support patients.
The council’s hospital assessment team and reablement service are helping residents leave hospital safely. That means they can regain independence, and avoid long-term care.
Living at home longer
Once home, the council’s bridging and reablement service can help ensure people can continue to live independently.
The service is for anyone in the borough who needs help with things like washing and dressing; meal preparation, nutrition and hydration; moving around the home; or using the toilet.
Over the last 2 years, more than 2,500 people have benefited from the service, helping them to live in their homes longer. 80% of those didn’t require long-term support.
Those already receiving or who have been referred to social care qualify for help. People can also contact the social care customer contact centre on 020 8825 8000 to find out if reablement would be suitable for you.
Joined-up working
Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “Teams are working together across health and social care to make sure residents leave hospital safely, with the right support in place to recover and thrive. It’s about dignity, independence, and making sure people feel confident returning home, without spending any more time in hospital than they need to.
“Once home, our reablement service is there to provide the support people need to carry on living independently for as long as possible. It shows what joined-up working can achieve.”
