Caring service launch
A new NHS and council service designed to provide people with care in their own homes is set to be rolled out in Rutherglen and Cambuslang in October.
The Integrated Community Support Team is a care and support project that aims to prevent unnecessary hospital or care home admissions and reduce the length of stay in hospital.
The idea behind the scheme is to treat people in their own home and bring treatment to the patients.
It has already been piloted in East Kilbride and Strathaven. The scheme has enjoyed success and scooped the Integrated Care for Older People Award at The Scottish Health Awards.
The local launch was revealed at Burnside Community Council last week during a presentation by Craig Cunningham of NHS Lanarkshire.
Speaking at the meeting, he said: “This will help people be treated in the comfort of their own home, rather than having to spend time in hospital. For example if they have a injury that flares up they will be able to call the support team and someone from that team who is familiar with the area will be able to help.”
A NHS Lanarkshire spokesperson then confirmed they hoped to bring it to Rutherglen and Cambuslang in October.
The ICST will bring together nurses, physiotherapists and hospital discharge rehabilitation staff from NHS Lanarkshire with social workers, home care workers and occupational therapists from South Lanarkshire Council.
Medical care is provided by the person’s own GP who links, when needed, with hospital consultants. Members of the team work together to devise and implement the best possible course of support for the person and their carer.
A spokesperson for NHS Lanarkshire said: “As well as palliative care, the ICST also offers round-the-clock support to people who have just been discharged from hospital, helping them regain independence to prevent unnecessary readmission to hospital. Recipients have ranged from those with complex care needs to people with less serious conditions which could require hospital admission if left untreated.”