Charity Shortlisted After Helping Keep Homes Warm
A charity has been recognized in the Health Service Journal Partnership Awards for its impactful work in helping vulnerable households stay warm during the winter months.
Severn Wye’s Warm Homes Prescription Initiative
– Pilot Launch: The Gloucestershire-based charity, Severn Wye, initiated its Warm Homes Prescription pilot in 2022.
– Target Audience: The program assists low-income patients suffering from respiratory, coronary, or complex health conditions by offering grants to alleviate their energy bills, with funding sourced from the government.
– Objective: The primary aim is to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions by ensuring vulnerable families can maintain a warm home environment.
A Personal Testimony: Anton Hammer’s Experience
Anton Hammer, a 72-year-old with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), shared his struggles before receiving help.
– Frequent Illness: He faced recurrent chest infections leading to numerous GP visits.
– Financial Strain: After a heart attack forced him to stop working two years ago, he found heating his home increasingly challenging. “You start thinking, I can’t afford to heat the whole house, so you put on more layers or leave one room warm,” Hammer explained. “It can be very depressing.”
Upon his GP’s recommendation, Hammer connected with Severn Wye, who provided at-home assistance. “They’ve been fantastic,” he remarked, noting a significant reduction in his chest infections and fewer doctor visits since his home became warmer.
Integrated Efforts: Warmth on Prescription and NHS Retrofit Project
– Combined Initiatives: The ‘Warmth on Prescription’ scheme runs in conjunction with the NHS Retrofit project, funded by the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. This initiative provides up to £20,000 per property to enhance energy efficiency in homes.
– Positive Outcomes: Last winter, participants in the scheme reported decreased clinical visits and fewer hospital admissions, underscoring the program’s effectiveness.
Recognition from the Medical Community
Dr. Hein Le Roux, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of NHS Gloucestershire, expressed his pleasure at seeing the collaboration recognized. “Patients tell us they feel more confident and supported through winter, which is exactly the impact we aimed for,” he stated.
The winners of the Health Service Journal Partnership Awards will be announced in March, celebrating the efforts of organizations like Severn Wye that strive to keep homes warm and healthy for those in need.
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