It’s been one year since a new partnership was introduced to give local residents who need ongoing care a better experience and faster return home from hospital, and it’s having a big impact.
In the 12 months since the MK Integrated Discharge Hub was launched, there has been a significant decrease in the amount of time spent in hospital by those who could be discharged. That decrease was as much as 25% for complex discharge cases which can see patients staying in hospital for three extra weeks or longer because of challenges in arranging their care.
The Hub was set up by Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes City Council, and Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust combining some of their teams last year. Hub specialists work 365 days a year to make sure patients leaving the hospital have a smooth transition with the right social care and support.
By combining services, the partners have simplified processes, cut duplication, and lessened delays caused by moving between services – a common issue not just in Milton Keynes but across the country.
A dedicated Housing Officer is on hand to make sure housing needs are considered and a Voluntary Sector Co-ordinator connects patients with community organisations that can help them maintain their independence at home.
Local partners such as Age UK work alongside the hub to offer practical support.
“We hope other places can learn lessons from how were collaborating in Milton Keynes, as it’s really good for residents as well as for reducing pressure at the hospital. People are getting home sooner with a package of care that’s right for them, which means fewer hospital beds are tied up that other people can use. Milton Keynes already had a good reputation for hospital discharge, and this is another step forward.”
“The launch of the MK Integrated Discharge Hub has delivered real benefits for patients. No one wants to stay in hospital unnecessarily and, by working together, people can get the care they need in the right setting. The other positive outcome is that more hospital beds are being made available to accommodate the continual flow of new patients coming in to the hospital.”
“The Integrated Discharge Hub is a game-changer for our patients and the wider community. By working closely together across health and social care, we’ve made it possible for people to leave hospital sooner with the right support in place, helping them regain independence faster. This partnership truly puts patients at the heart of everything we do and is a model we’re proud to be part of.”