Team of Healthcare Support Workers up for national award

A team of healthcare support workers are in the running to receive a top health award.

The Tuag Adref/Homeward Bound project has been shortlisted in the ‘Community Nursing’ category at this year’s Nursing Times Awards.

The project aims to prevent delays for patients leaving hospital by offering support for those, who are ready to leave hospital but may be waiting for a care package, in their own home.

The initiative began in 2018 at Ysbyty Alltwen, and has now been rolled out across Gwynedd and Anglesey.

Louise Davies, Assistant Director for Community Hospitals in the West of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are delighted to be nominated in this category for a second year running.

“This project has grown from strength to strength and is now in place across Gwynedd and Anglesey, with the hope to roll it out across the Health Board.

“The team of Healthcare Support Workers work with people who are imminently ready for discharge. They then support these patients, as they are ready to leave hospital and help to continue their rehabilitation within their home.

“They also support dementia patients who need some time to re-orientate themselves after they leave hospital, as well as palliative patients within the community whose wishes are to die at home with their families.

“Through putting the patient first and establishing their needs, working together with all members of the multidisciplinary teams this initiative has shown excellent provision, delivery and improved healthcare for our patients.”

The Nursing Times Awards will take place virtually on Wednesday, 18 November.