A CHARITY is urging people to continue using its services which support patients at Airedale Hospital.

Carers’ Resource says both its Home from Hospital and so-called carer navigator initiatives are still operating, despite the coronavirus crisis.

Home from Hospital helps older and vulnerable people who need extra support after they’re discharged.

The free service aims to ease the patient’s return home, helping them to rebuild confidence and regain independence, and prevent hospital readmission.

Referrals are continuing to be taken from professionals in hospitals and social care during the current pandemic.

The team will contact clients by phone to discuss any concerns and needs, such as shopping requirements. And if necessary, the person will be referred to statutory or voluntary-sector services.

Carer navigators help family and friends of adult inpatients at the hospital.

They can provide assistance with a range of issues, such as the types of support available and options like residential/home care.

The services, which are also offered at Bradford Royal Infirmary, are among a number of projects run by Carers’ Resource.

The charity’s core aim is to provide a lifeline to unpaid carers – who give help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability.

Jan Burrows, Carers’ Resource head of operations for the Bradford district, oversees Home from Hospital and carer navigators.

She said: “We are reminding people that we’re here to support our NHS and social care colleagues as normal, by helping to keep discharged patients safe and well in their homes and supporting those who have loved ones in hospital.

“We can’t go into hospitals at the moment, but there are ways and means to continue our vital work and we’re adapting so we can carry on and still be there for people.”

To contact Home from Hospital, call 01274 531377.

If you have a loved one at Airedale Hospital and wish to contact carer navigators, phone 07394 569714 or 07394 569715.

Unpaid carers wanting to contact Carers’ Resource should visit carersresource.org/contact or call 01274 449660, 01423 500555 or 01756 700888. There is also Facebook and Twitter.