A new scheme is being piloted in Dumfries and Galloway to make sure that patients leaving hospital have enough food at home.
The region’s health and social care partnership and the Food Train charity have joined forces on the project.
And they aim to ensure people leaving hospital have essential supplies to last them at least 24 hours.
The Home from Hospital food packs are being piloted until the end of March in a bid to ease pressure on the health and social care service.
The Dumfries-based charity’s team will also be carrying out follow-up calls within 72 hours of people who are aged over 65 leaving hospital with a pack to see if they’d benefit from any additional support.
Food Train’s regional manager Helen McAnespie said: “This partnership is about helping people to get home from hospital and putting steps in place to reduce the chances of them being readmitted.
“The fact that there’s not enough food in the house can delay some people from getting home as soon as they are well enough to. These simple packs allow them to leave, while giving a chance for them to arrange to get stocked up or secure the support they need. They can help bridge the move from NHS to social care.
“We can all see the pressures that the entire health and social care sector is under. This is a simple step that can make a practical difference in easing some of them.”
The packs contain dried and non-perishable foods and are paid for by the health and social care partnership, with Food Train volunteers collecting and packing the goods.
They are currently being distributed at hospitals in Dumfries and Stranraer but the scheme could be extended across community hospitals.
DGHSCP’s chief officer Julie White said: “The need to provide care and support to people often doesn’t end once they leave hospital.
“Many people heading home will be faced with challenges around ensuring they have necessary provisions, including meals.
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with charity Food Train on the Home from Hospital pilot, which will help provide that support along with follow-up calls for further assurance that all is well.
“At a time of very considerable pressure right across the whole of the health and social care system in Dumfries and Galloway, this initiative should help support hospital discharges and enhance the support people are receiving within our communities.”
Food Train has also joined forces with Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway to attract more volunteers for its Meal Makers service, where people make a home-cooked meal for an older person around once a week.
Among those taking part is Dumfries home economics teacher Nicola Reynolds, who has been helping 95-year-old Elizabeth Wickenden since 2019.
Nicola said: “You don’t have to be a hugely confident cook to do it - just be willing to make a little extra food once a week, to deliver it and have a nice chat.
“It’s a great experience to be part of.”
To volunteer with Meal Makers, call 0800 783 7770 or email hello@mealmakers.org.uk
