A new Integrated Discharge Services (IDS) Bureau has been officially opened at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Since the introduction of the IDS Bureau earlier this year, the hospital’s delayed transfer of care rate has greatly improved, freeing up more beds in the hospital every day.
On average the hospital discharges between 75-100 patients a day with the IDS Bureau managing up to 25 complex patient discharges daily.
These are patients who need an ongoing package of care at home, placement in a care home or transfer to a community hospital for rehabilitation or ongoing care.
The IDS Bureau is situated on the hospital site and accommodates more than 50 staff. The ‘multi-agency’ project is supported by all the hospital’s key health and social care partners across the county.
The facility was officially opened on Wednesday (15 November) by guest of honour, Professor Chris Ham CBE, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, an independent think tank working to improve health and care in England.
“What I see here is an example of how care should be delivered in the future,” said Chris.
“The IDS Bureau works using multi-disciplinary teamwork centred on the needs of patients, making sure they’re getting the right care in the right place at the right time.
“It will be particularly beneficial to the growing number of elderly and frail people in our hospitals who have complex needs that can only be addressed by a multi-disciplinary team.
“The bureau demonstrates the partnership working between the NHS and local authorities of which people are striving to achieve in the rest of the country.”
“As local health and social care organisations we do the best for our patients when we work together,” said David Vitty, head of adult social care services, Borough of Poole and service director, adult social care, Bournemouth Borough Council.
“Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council are delighted to be part of this innovative development, which is preventing people staying in hospital longer than they need to.
“We know that hospitals are very busy during the winter period and I’m confident this will help to create the capacity we need.”
Debbie Fleming, chief executive, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This new facility is a great example of partnership working that is making a real difference to patients’ lives,” said Debbie.
“By working together we have put in place an improved package of care and support for our patients.
“This in turn is improving their overall experience by ensuring that their stay is as short as possible.”
