One of the biggest challenges currently facing health and social care, is that of patients admitted to Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (RCHT/Treliske) who improve enough to no longer need an emergency hospital bed, Yet not be quite ready to cope at home on their own. Many of us will be aware of the concept of “blocked beds” from social media, and the impact this is having on the NHS.
CHAOS have teamed up with RCHT and Cornwall’s Social Care organisations to respond to this need. Penhallow, a popular hotel and restaurant near Goonhavern, have kindly stepped forward and we can now offer a Stepdown Home for patients not yet ready to be discharged directly home.
Here our guests benefit from comfortable, private en-suite rooms. These have been kitted out with input from HSE, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, whilst maintaining a homely feel. Though there are 24hr staff to assist and advise, all guests are encouraged to make use of a fully kitted out kitchen, the sheltered garden and take part in the varied activities happening in one of the numerous communal areas within the home. The intention is that our guests can regain skills and confidence, whilst benefiting from the support of our nursing and care staff, along with visiting physios, occupational health practitioners and local GPs as needed. Their stay can be anywhere up to 28 days, the goal being that by this point they will be fully prepared and confident to return to their own home.
