Helping patients home: Discharge packs from the Juliet O Foundation

Returning home from hospital can be a vulnerable time, especially for the elderly or frail patients who may lack basic essentials. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with the Juliet O Foundation to offer free discharge packs that are already making a real difference.

Created by Juliet Omoregie, a former NHS health and social care worker of 35 years, these packs are designed to help patients settle safely back into their homes after a hospital stay.

The packs were developed to reduce hospital readmissions and include items such as non-slip socks to prevent falls – which caused 219,155 emergency hospital admissions in England for people aged 65 and older last year.

They also include essentials to prevent infections and other issues that could complicate patients’ recovery – such as soap, hand sanitiser, hand wash and toothpaste – as well as items such as tea and coffee, to help vulnerable patients maintain their independence.

With support from her son, London-born rapper Dave, star of Netflix show Top Boy, Juliet has been self-funding the Foundation’s work and is now beginning to build partnerships with UK businesses and local supermarkets to support it – with the help of NHS hospitals and community services to distribute the care packages to those in need.

“I’m incredibly proud of my mum and everything she’s built with the Juliet O Foundation. It means a lot to be able to support her in such a meaningful way and impactful mission. Watching her turn this vision into reality and being part of the journey has been truly inspiring.”

Following a success at St George’s Hospital, the programme is now expanding across Epsom and St Helier Hospital as well as our integrated care services Sutton Health and Care and Surrey Downs Health and Care. Thanks to this collaboration, around 70 patients each month will now receive these valuable packs.

“These packs are about dignity, independence, and making sure no patient feels along when they leave our care.” says Molly Simpson, Head of Charity. “We’re so grateful to Juliet and her team for their compassion and commitment.”

To find out more or to support this important cause please visit julietofoundation.org