NHS Airbnb-style scheme 'not ruled out' by minister

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The idea of NHS hospital patients recuperating in Airbnb-style accommodation has not been ruled out, health minister Philip Dunne has said.

Southend Hospital had been linked to a trial where hospital patients could be discharged to people's spare rooms.

The hospital distanced itself from the idea following criticism by politicians and health groups.

But Mr Dunne told BBC Radio 5 live he "wouldn't immediately reject it" as "one's got to trial different things".

The pilot scheme, proposed in Essex, would have seen some 30 hospital patients staying in local residents' spare rooms instead of in hospital while they waited to be discharged.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41795579
 
I thought the government had distanced themselves from this too after last weeks publicity.
 
I can’t understand why they think this a sensible idea. It’s all about trust. I wouldn’t mind being discharged to my daughters spare room, or either of my brothers. It wouldn’t be disorienting, embarrassing or otherwise uncomfortable. But a stranger? No thank you.
 
mikeyB said:
I can’t understand why they think this a sensible idea. It’s all about trust. I wouldn’t mind being discharged to my daughters spare room, or either of my brothers. It wouldn’t be disorienting, embarrassing or otherwise uncomfortable. But a stranger? No thank you.
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I read somewhere that the company that came up with this idea, is a start up and are ex NHS staff.
 
I was listening to my local radio this morning about sending people to B and B accommodation.
Absolutely shocking.
 
I’d be interested to know how much this is going to cost and who is overseeing the safety and suitability of it because my experience of many private care agencies isn’t exactly inspiring. There are a few very caring individuals who have clean, supportive environments to offer but the entire implications haven’t been thought through.
Presently, the elderly are entitled in most authorities to 6 week funded rehabilitation and that’s what should be offered if they are not fit to leave hospital and live independently. That involves a residential, integrated service with care staff, nurses, physios and occupational therapists or care in their own home. This scheme is an attempt to circumvent this because it’s more costly. This is part of their ‘Big Society’ philosophy where a well intentioned local resident with a spare room takes over formal, care responsibilities. Some of these patients will be a total nightmare too!

Professionally, I’ve responsibility over my career for both child and adult protection and the abuse of vulnerable adults is rife. I can vividly remember my team having to ‘rescue’ an old chap who had been taken in by a ‘well meaning family’ when he was ill and then deprived of his benefit books by the couple who went out on the lash with the proceeds leaving him to care for their kids. Neighbours found him shivering in the garden when they had friends over. The law protecting people in this situation certainly wasn’t strong then particularly if they’d convinced him to stay. We ended up shouting through their letterbox that he could stay but a stop was being put on his benefits pending investigation. Ten minutes later, a battered old case came hurtling down the path closely followed by the bedraggled old chap! He was taken to a lovely place of safety and died 7 weeks later well fed and properly cared for. That story is totally true and still haunts me.

Frankly the Government can take this scheme and stick it where the sun don’t shine because it’s ‘care In the community’ with a licence to exploit! 😡
 
Amigo said:
I

Frankly the Government can take this scheme and stick it where the sun don’t shine because it’s ‘care In the community’ with a licence to exploit! 😡[B/]
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That’s dreadful how they treated that poor chap
I heartily agree with you esp the part I’ve bolded

Sadly financial abuse happened in my own family, its A long story, the short version ismy Nan went to stay with her other son for a week, he took all her money
Fortunately we found out and got most if it back.
 
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A truly shocking example @Amigo :( but one that should act as a cautionary tale as to why this is a terrible idea.
I agree that this springs from the notion of 'The Big Society' David Cameron used to spout on about. The Tories have made no bones about wanting to shrink The State, and the writing was on the wall when they pushed through The Health and Social Care bill with great ease, so expect more of the same :(
 
It’s amazing that there’s so many homeless freezing out on the streets when there’s all these altruistic, public minded people waiting to take strangers into their spare rooms!
 
Amigo said:
It’s amazing that there’s so many homeless freezing out on the streets when there’s all these altruistic, public minded people waiting to take strangers into their spare rooms!
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There is a charity called Night Stop where people can register to take in homeless youngsters aged 16-25, obviously for no payment and it doesn't operate nationally, sadly. In the past we've had two vulnerable young people stay with us whilst they we're waiting for accommodation to be arranged for them.
 
Lucy Honeychurch said:
There is a charity called Night Stop where people can register to take in homeless youngsters aged 16-25, obviously for no payment and it doesn't operate nationally, sadly. In the past we've had two vulnerable young people stay with us whilst they we're waiting for accommodation to be arranged for them.
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That’s brilliant Lucy, well done! (Could you fancy taking my 90 yr old ma in law for a few weeks? :D)
 
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