Health staff who help people home from hospital in Inverclyde have won a national award

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has presented a special judges award of excellence to Inverclyde Home 1st, who ensure people are fully supported when they leave wards at IRH.

Their work has ensured improved outcomes, with vital health and social care services provided to ex-patients in their homes or in the community, maintaining people’s independence.

Inverclyde Home 1st work in partnership with colleagues at the hospital to identify exactly what is required when a patient is discharged.

The service means the majority of patients are assessed and discharged home as soon as they are deemed medically fit, including those requiring a complex home care package or place in a nursing home.

Inverclyde Council’s health and social care convener Councillor Robert Moran today praised the staff from the team for their achievement.

He said: “Inverclyde HSCP have been developing the Home 1st strategy along with partners for a number of years and we are now sector leaders in reducing hospital bed days lost through delay.

“Colleagues work hard to help support vulnerable people to remain at home and I am delighted that their efforts have been recognised by such a prestigious award.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone involved.”

The award is extra special as it comes in the middle of the NHS 70th birthday celebrations.

Health board chairman, John Brown said: “Local and national events involving staff and patients have been both poignant and fun but for me the pinnacle of all celebrations was the Staff Awards.

“Once again this year we were overwhelmed by the number and quality of the entries across the range of categories and examples of our staff going above and beyond for patients and other colleagues.

“These awards are about us showcasing the true quality of our workforce and their commitment to delivering the very best in patient care.”