THE Royal Voluntary Service, is able to continue its vital Home from Hospital service at the Great Western Hospital thanks to funding from health plan provider Simplyhealth.

Research conducted by Royal Voluntary Service, assisted by the Kings Fund, identified that older people returning home from hospital without enough support are more than twice as likely to be readmitted within three months. This service is shown to make a huge difference to people’s recovery and hospital re-admissions.

With more than 100,000 older people supported each month, RVS helps them to stay independent for longer with tailor made solutions.

As part of the service, the volunteer will prepare the person’s home, making sure the heating and lights are on and that the kitchen is stocked with essentials. They offer companionship and simple tasks such as helping with shopping, collecting prescriptions and medication and providing transport to follow-up medical appointments.

With the increased funding from Simplyhealth, the service is going to be developed to integrate into wider health and wellbeing working with both clinical staff in the hospital and in the local community.

Lisa Knight, Operations Manager for Royal Voluntary Service, said: "We know that placing a volunteer at the centre of a person’s recovery plan can make a huge difference, which is why we are delighted to receive this funding from Simplyhealth which will enable us to continue the service.”

Sarah Ford, Chair of Simplyhealth Charitable Committee, said: “We have seen first-hand the fantastic work this organisation does and we hope our support will help advance local initiatives and encourage more collaboration between organisations across the UK.”

To watch a video about the Home from Hospital service has made a difference to Patricia, please visit https://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/sh/pages/about-us/charitable-giving/videos/rvs.jsp