A COMMUNITY matron project has helped reduce the number of older people entering hospital for unplanned treatment in Barrow.
Community matrons, who are senior nurses, support older people with complex long-term health problems and act as their point of contact for health and social care.
The project, which is backed by Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Primary Care Trust, has been piloted at residential and nursing homes managed by the Risedale Group.
The results from the pilot have seen a 46 per cent reduction in avoidable hospital
admissions amongst older people receiving residential care.
The scheme's community matron has been providing seamless support to older people with a diverse range of health needs.
The matron's ability to give on-going medical treatment in the home also limits the amount of time older people have to stay in hospital.
Jill Stannard, Cumbria County Council's director of Adult Social Care and Health, said: "The community matron scheme is improving the quality of life for older people with complex health needs.
"As well as providing a link between home and hospital, they are also proving older people and their families with information and advice."
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