Milton Keynes Councils Adult Social Care service has launched ‘Home 1st. The aim is to provide a personalised service that prevents admissions to hard pressed Milton Keynes Hospital, but also helps hospital patients return home where possible rather than staying in a hospital bed or having to go into expensive care or residential homes.

Home 1st reablement is provided in a person’s own home by a team of experienced staff who provide personal care whilst promoting and supporting independence.

Home1st sees Council and community health staff employed by Central and Northwest London Foundation Trust (CNWL) who provide community services in Milton Keynes coming together.

The new integrated service brings together social workers, social work assistants, registered nurses, health care assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and a psychologist.

The key first step is the creation of a team of 8 social workers who will daily visit patients of MK hospital wards to identify those who will need social care support. The team is expected to help 40 people return home every week.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Housing, Cllr Nigel Long said, “The new Home1st service aims to help vulnerable people stay out of hospital or once in hospital helps them to return home with care and support and perhaps home adaptations. The aim is a tailored service to meet their personal needs.“

The integration of health and Council specialist staff is a model for greater close working. The range of staff expertise coming together will help deliver independence and help people stay in their own homes.

Cllr Long concluded, “The launch of Home1st is another step forward in Labour’s long term aim of helping older, disabled and vulnerable people stay independent and safe in their own homes in the community for as long as possible.“