Mental health
‘ Home First is the main discharge pathway now for one of our ward consultants . The minute someone comes in , the question “ Would they be appropriate for Home First ?” is asked . The demand is exceeding our capacity .’
This new and innovative project has also supported retention and career development , enabling some junior staff to step into Band 6 roles and for established staff to extend and develop their clinical skills and gain valuable project management experience .
‘[ In terms of ] career development , our occupational therapists have gone off and presented Home First , not just in our leadership meetings , but at conferences , and they ’ re writing up articles . It ’ s been lovely to see how it ’ s given them and the occupational therapy support workers the opportunity to grow ,’ says Gemma . ‘ That ’ s really been recognised by the trust ,’ Teresa adds . ‘ We ’ ve also received a Trust positive practice award for innovation .’
But ultimately , it ’ s the comments from service users and carers that speak volumes about the success of the project .
One service user said : ‘ Without Home First , it would have felt like I was dropped on the doorstep .’ While another added : ‘ It ’ s so important to know that somebody cares , not from a distance , but by coming to the house and being with us .’
But the final word goes to one of the ward consultants : ‘ Home First has provided an exceptional level of care that links up hospital and community treatment . Patients have found the continuity helpful and [ it has ] reduced anxiety around discharge significantly .
‘ They are flexible and approachable , leading to a good working relationship with the ward team and patients . They have helped facilitate discharges that otherwise would have likely taken much longer . Their service is a huge asset to our ward .’
Service user example
Mr P was a 73-year-old admitted with a diagnosis of depression , anxiety and OCD . He had complex needs ; attempted suicide , multiple admissions to general and mental health inpatient wards .
Clinical records indicated frequent inappropriate phone calls to emergency services , presenting at A & E and community services .
He was referred to Home First from the complex case panel for specialist occupational therapy intervention to facilitate safe and effective discharge .
The Home First occupational therapist worked with Mr P to identify goals , risks and needs , offering to support discharge preparation , home assessments and graded exposure in the community .
Following four weeks of post-discharge support , Mr P has re-established routines , increased social interaction and is engaging in meaningful activities ( fishing , yoga , football coaching , driving , reconnecting with family ).
He has now been discharged from services to the care of his GP . He continues to live well .
Words TERESA BLUNT , Professional Lead Occupational Therapist , East Sussex CDS , and GEMMA DORER , Professional Lead Occupational Therapist , Coastal and North West Sussex CDS , Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , talked to TRACEY SAMUELS , Editor of OTnews . For more information teresa . blunt @ spft . nhs . uk or gemma . dorer @ spft . nhs . uk . With acknowledgement to all the practitioners who were part of the Home First pilot and those that continue to deliver a service .
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