Patients turning down service aimed at easing pressure on hospital

A new service for people over the age of 60, with two more long-term health conditions, has failed to recruit as many patients as health bosses had originally hoped for, documents have revealed.
Retired RAF corporal Colin Davenport, 81, who is benefitting from the new Extensive Care Service, with wellbeing support worker Rachel HowarthRetired RAF corporal Colin Davenport, 81, who is benefitting from the new Extensive Care Service, with wellbeing support worker Rachel Howarth
Retired RAF corporal Colin Davenport, 81, who is benefitting from the new Extensive Care Service, with wellbeing support worker Rachel Howarth

The service was initially launched in Lytham in June 2015, and was rolled out at centres in South Shore and Poulton last month.

It is aimed at easing the pressure on Victoria Hospital by offering a complete care package for those with heart problems, respiratory problems, diabetes, or dementia.

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But hospital trust documents revealed the service had failed to recruit 500 patients in each area of the service.

Patients were given a choice but not all had taken up the offer of the service,” papers read.

Patients will soon be referred to the service from the hospital, in Whinney Heys Road, as well as their GPs, the documents added.

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