Helping our local NHS and community
Everyone needs a place to call home, now more than ever - a place to feel safe, comfortable and look after their health and well-being. That’s why we are proud to be working with Somerset County Council and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to provide short-stay accommodation for people leaving hospital across the county.
With Coronavirus putting huge pressure on NHS resources, there is an urgent need to discharge patients, and support them to continue on their road to recovery within the community. This is vital to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus in hospital, but also to free-up bed spaces for new patients who need round the clock specialist medical care.
To help, we are leasing one of our larger homes to Somerset County Council, to provide a ‘Step-Down’ House for people leaving hospital, who need a safe and supportive place to stay while they wait for a more permanent home.
Christine Boland, Head of Housing Services at Magna, said: “We’re proud to support the NHS and to provide a home for those that need it during such a difficult time. The latest Government guidance on moving home rightly makes it clear that people should only move if absolutely necessary. This presents extra challenges for people who desperately need the comfort and security of a home and puts additional pressure on them at an already difficult time. Working together with local communities and organisations we’re pleased to be able to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Redeployed colleagues at Somerset County Council carried out their own ‘DIY SOS’ to help decorate and prepare the property, transforming it into a comfortable home, all while following social distancing guidelines.
Candy Worf, Senior Commissioning Officer for Adult Mental Health and Dementia at Somerset County Council, said: “I am immensely proud to be launching this well evidenced, essential provision. It’s been an exciting and rewarding experience, working collaboratively with our health care colleagues, partners within the voluntary sector, and social housing. Our new Step-Down House will offer people a safe, recovery focused, guided transition back into their communities.”
Magna Housing is large enough to influence but small enough to care; because of this we see the faces behind every front door and the genuine care and commitment for our customers has meant #TeamMagna have been able to work so swiftly with our partners, Somerset County Council and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, to make this happen.