The Wellwynd Hub in Tranent, which helps people stay active and independent, has been named as a finalist in the 2019 COSLA Excellence Awards.
The East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, working with the council’s Housing Service, converted a former warden’s flat for sheltered housing into a ‘dementia friendly’ homely setting. The facility in Tranent features smart technology to assist people requiring technology to help with daily tasks such as reminders or turning on lights by voice command.
Wellwynd Hub is an exciting and innovative project, which has transformed services to people requiring occupational therapy, telecare and housing interventions within East Lothian.
It provides awareness sessions for Telecare and Technology Enabled Care (TEC) to support staff to find effective solutions for assisting clients with every day activities.
Occupational therapy intervention is also provided through a service offered three days a week. An open referral system is operated where people can be jointly assessed by occupational therapy and physiotherapy and strategies are provided to enable greater independence at home or accessing community resources. Monthly clinics are also held with community housing officers to assess requests for health and housing needs. Referrals are made via the Community Access Team. It is intended that this will be rolled out across the county, allowing more people to access this unique service at the point of need.
Wellwynd Hub has been named as a finalist in the service innovation and improvement category. Winners will be announced on 10 October.
Councillor Fiona O'Donnell, Cabinet Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: "I have heard first hand from people who have benefited from the services and advice available at the Wellwynd Hub, enabling them to be more independent. I have been to visit the hub and was impressed by how you could see and try aids in a real life setting. Having control even over the simplest daily living tasks, like making a cup of tea, can make such a difference.
"It is amazing to see how new technologies and design are giving people those opportunities. I am so pleased, but not surprised, that this innovative service is receiving national recognition."