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Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 00:00
From December 1, Red Cross volunteers will be escorting patients home, checking they have enough food and even looking in on them 24 hours after they have been discharged.
The scheme, run jointly by South West Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the Red Cross, is hoped to reduce the number of patients admitted from A&E on to the wards at Basildon Hospital following an accident.
Maggie Booth, development manager at the Red Cross, said: "The service will give vulnerable patients a drive home, reassurance and support after being treated and discharged from Accident and Emergency."
She emphasised the service is not appropriate for those that are seriously ill but for those with minor injuries, for example, who have had a fall and hurt themselves.
Volunteers will be charged with taking elderly patients home, checking they are comfortable and have enough food and drink.
They can refer them back to the hospital or PCT if there are any doubts or problems.
The PCT is now appealing for 15 more volunteers to help the scheme take off.
Ms Booth said: "It will be an exciting service to be part of and we are recruiting now for volunteers so if anyone in the area would like to be part of the team, please contact me 0844 412 2830."
All volunteers will receive mileage and out-of-pocket expenses.
Red Cross volunteer Eddie Deboise, who works on the scheme, said: "Not only is volunteering with the Red Cross fun and rewarding but I've also made new friends, developed new skills and get the chance to give something back to the community."
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