Press Release 6th February 2022 - Brighton and Hove praised by Healthwatch England
See the Healthwatch England report
Healthwatch in Brighton and Hove started a phone-based wellbeing check, at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020, the service is called HOPs. Our report has been nationally recognised and was shortlisted for an award.
4,300 people have been referred since April 2020 with 2,404 reached and helped.
Fran McCacbe, Chair of Healthwatch Brighton and Hove said:
"The HOPs service is very simple; we call people and check they are OK after being discharged from hospital. It has been inspiring to see how much our calls are valued, 99% of people welcome this friendly call. To get a special mention in the Healthwatch Annual Report is precious to us. 55 local volunteers have provided this service for almost 2 years. We want to thank the hospital discharge team for their collaboration and support on this project, during what has been a difficult time for them during this global health crisis."
Healthwatch England said:
"With the arrival of the pandemic, Healthwatch quickly realised that patients being discharged would potentially be left without support. To make sure this didn’t happen, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove set up a wellbeing check service, working with their local council, Clinical Commissioning Group and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust."
A Senior Nurse at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, speaking at the peak of the pandemic 2020/21, said:
“…... I do not know how we ever manged without this, without doubt Healthwatch have prevented hospital readmissions. This is a brilliant example of collaboration between University Sussex Hospitals , Brighton and Hove City Council, and Healthwatch Brighton and Hove."
Dr Philip Rankin, University Sussex Hospitals, Discharge Team 2020/21, said:
"HOPs provides enhanced follow up and support for Brighton and Hove residents after their hospital discharge. It’s been a great way to find out how people are doing, what their experience has been like and crucially if there’s anything which could have been done to make things better. I have seen benefits such as more rapid resolutions of issues after Hospital Discharge. Bringing together a wide range of professionals who may not have met otherwise to focus on making improvements, such as helping our patients with mental health needs. I am also delighted that local people receive holistic care, with this follow up providing an additional opportunity to signpost and refer people on to invaluable voluntary and community sector services – ranging from befriending, social prescribing, carer support, and help with essentials."
Healthwatch HOPS Volunteer said:
“…I never know how people will be coping when I call. Mostly people are just really pleased to have that friendly reassuring phone chat. However sometimes people can be in distress and need extra help.”
David Liley, Chief Officer, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, said today:
"We grateful for the full support and funding that has been provided by Brighton and Hove City Council, the NHS, and the personal support of City Councillors and MP's. The discharge team at the Royal Sussex County hospital have been a real engine room for helping people through the pandemic. We are happy to have helped with that effort. We believe HOPs is a service worth continuing beyond the immediate COVID challenges. For vulnerable people and folks with emotional and mental health issues this has been a lifeline. Lots of other organisations are doing a fantastic job and we are not 'the only show in town'. But we think our volunteers are doing a great job."
