Recuperating at home instead of hospital

INFORMATION RELEASE
16 March 2012

Recuperating at home instead of hospital

Over 750 people from Christchurch and surrounding districts have been able to recuperate in their own home rather than in hospital, thanks to the CREST (Community Rehabilitation, Enablement and Support Team) service.
The community-focused service, provided by Access Homehealth and two other organisations, allows patients to have an early discharge from hospital following illness or an operation. CREST was introduced by the Canterbury District Health Board in March 2011 - a little earlier than originally planned because of the demands on local hospitals following devastating February earthquake.
Access’s multi-skilled team of nurses and advanced care support workers ensure a seamless transfer of services from hospital to the community for vulnerable and elderly patients. A wide range of support services are available to match the needs of individuals to ensure they remain well in their own homes.

Access South Island Manager, Kent Youard says patients appreciate having their independence and the comfort of their own home, along with the reassurance of having a ‘safety net’ of support. “At the same time we are freeing up hospital beds for others in need of treatment.”

John, who has benefitted from the service, agrees. “When you get home from hospital it is better than any medicine.” John had ben hospitalised with a serious muscular poisoning and Access staff supported him with simple but potentially hazardous processes like showering until the 72 year-old built up his strength.

Ends

© Scoop Media