Healthwatch can now help find you the right support from NHS Responders

If you are at home self-isolating and need a support lifeline you can now call Healthwatch to get help from the new army of NHS Responders.
NHS responders

Healthwatch can now refer those in need of extra help

We are now able to refer people to the NHS Responder volunteer crisis support network. We will discuss your needs with you and make sure you are linked up to friendly, reliable and safe support.

Who are the NHS Responders?

The NHS responders are here to make sure the vulnerable who need to be ‘shielded’ can get shopping or medicine delivered, find transport to appointments or ensure anyone feeling alone can have a friendly chat.

What checks have been done on the volunteers?

All NHS responders have been identity checked and only DBS checked volunteers will be sent to the very vulnerable who need more contact, such as taking people to health appointments. These volunteers will also be required to wear face masks to minimise risks.

Ring a member of our team on 07857055804 or 07944369180 if you need support.

Our team will put callers in touch with friendly responders who have been given four set tasks;- 

Community Response Volunteer: Collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating/vulnerable and taking it to their home.

Patient Transport Volunteer: Providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, as well as taking patients to their essential appointments.

NHS Transport Volunteer: This role involves transporting equipment, supplies and/or medication between NHS services and sites and helping pharmacies with medication delivery.

Check in and Chat Volunteer: Chatting to individuals who are at risk of loneliness due to weeks of self-isolation.

 

It is very good news that Healthwatch, a statutory service which gathers feedback from patients about health and social care, has an important part to play in crisis support during Covid 19. There are many volunteers in our area signed up and ready to help and we are keen to find the most vulnerable in our community who will benefit."

Our Area Manager Vicky Marriott