Better at Home
The Better at Home Campaign is being run jointly by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and WellChild. It was sparked by recognition of the many children who remain in hospital when their ongoing medical care and general well-being might be better and more cost-effectively managed from home.
The Campaign highlights the need for improved care for children and young people with long-term complex health care needs by calling for:
- Timely, high quality and effective care to be delivered in the home where possible.
- Packages of care which co-ordinate health, social care and education in a way that meets the individual and ongoing needs of the children and their families
- Greater financial investment in children’s nurses to work specifically with this group of vulnerable children and bridge the gap between hospital and community services
The first stage of the Campaign involved estimating the number of children and young people in England who remain in hospital even though their care could be provided at home. It was also important to find out what is preventing them from leaving hospital as well as the financial cost and quality of life benefits for the child and family of providing care at home and this information is also being collated.
Over the coming months we will continue to work with health service providers to build up an accurate picture of how many children are in hospital long term. We are seeking this information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
Pledge your support for the Better at Home Campaign here
For all the latest news on the Campaign, click here
It is the experience of families that is the most important part of this Campaign so we would love to hear from any parent or carer wishing to share their story - please call Helen on 0845 458 8171 or email campaign@wellchild.org.uk. Read some stories here
updated April 2010
