PACKS of essential food supplies are being handed out to elderly people being discharged from hospital as part of a new initiative.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Fareham and Gosport Basics Food Bank have been working closely to help support the elderly by making sure they have access to basic provisions at home once they have been discharged from hospital. 

The Trust’s Enhanced Recovery Support at Home Team (ERS@Home) work with patients in Hospital to create support packages, helping them return home as soon as possible. 

The team then work with the patients in their own homes helping them get back to their normal routines and remain independent so they are less likely to need another hospital visit.

The teams work with Fareham and Gosport Basics Food Bank to create ‘grab bags’ which include all the everyday basic provisions people need such as food, drink and essentials such as soap, tooth brushes and toothpaste.

Angela Wilson, community matron, said: “Time after time our staff see our frail, vulnerable older patients who are socially isolated, getting discharged from hospital and return home with no food or basics available to them.

"These ‘grab bags’ will ensure patients have a good stock of food and essentials waiting for them when they return home, which will make a massive difference to their lives.” 

Phil Rutt, chair of trustees for Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport, the Trust which runs the Basics Bank, said: “It’s a heart-warming feeling to support vulnerable people in our community and we are grateful for this opportunity.”

To make a donation to the food bank or to find out more, please email philip.rutt@icloud.com.