A pioneering project designed to stop patients being re-admitted to hospital is proving a massive success.

The Home From Hospital scheme, which helps patients across Airedale and Bradford ease back into everyday life after being discharged, has saved the NHS and taxpayers as much as £136,000.

In its first nine months, the initiative has supported 250 inpatients – with only four of them having to be re-admitted for the same condition within 30 days. Now the venture has received more funding from the NHS, and has started a recruitment campaign for extra volunteersd.

Home From Hospital provides a lifeline to elderly and vulnerable patients, many of whom are at high risk of being re-admitted. The scheme helps with benefits guidance and making sure houses are safe, checking utilities are in working order, identifying fall risks, liaising with healthcare workers and providing information so people can make choices about their own health.

Patients also get a hamper of food basics and a safety and wellbeing checklist, plus visits from volunteers co-ordinated by the Carers’ Resource charity.

The scheme’s Anna Jackson said: “Home From Hospital has proved its value, not just in reducing re-admissions but also in improving the quality of life of those patients we supported.” Call the Carers’ Resource on (01274) 449660.