Health and Social care professionals, community organisations, and people with lived experience came together on Tuesday 17 June for the ‘Connecting Health Communities’ (CHC) event in Bridgwater, a powerful session aimed at improving outcomes for people with dementia during and after hospital discharge, as the care journey does not end when you step out of that hospital.

This event was part of a wider 30-month programme, delivered by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), an independent charity dedicated to strengthening communities through action research.

The Somerset CHC steering group who were all involved in the creation of the event was set up by IVAR which includes several key partners from across the Integrated Care System, including the Community Council for Somerset, Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Somerset NHS Integrated Care Board, Spark Somerset, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), The Filo Project and the Alzheimer’s Society. Collectively, we presented a compelling vision: to improve the hospital discharge experience for people with dementia, with the work being guided by the voices of patients, families, caregivers, and frontline health professionals, ensuring that lived experience is at the heart of change.

The day brought these ideas to life with deeply moving real-life stories. We heard from Natalie, who supports a loved one through The Filo Project, and George, a lived experience partner from Somerset Foundation Trust. We heard his thoughts after the event:

“Being able to engage with people like this, and as a result benefit a larger range of people gives you a real buzz. Hopefully the contribution I can make can help those with dementia, but equally those who are caring for loved ones, being able to do that is hugely powerful for me too.”

We also heard a powerful presentation from Sue, a Registered Care Home Manager that provides specialist care for people with dementia, which really demonstrated the number of people that can be impacted when there are problems with an acute hospital discharge.

Interactive workshops encouraged participants to visualise what a positive hospital discharge experience might look like, from the perspectives of patients, carers, and staff. Using image postcards, attendees described a system approach, being person-centred and focused on the importance of keeping the individual safe through guidance.

Another activity focused on identifying barriers versus enablers to helping us achieve a positive experience from living well at home to recovery post-discharge, picking out key areas such as support for carers earlier in the process and empowering them to challenge when they need to, communicating with the family in discharge planning and the importance of planning the discharge on admission.

From this, quick wins were identified, and larger collaborative actions were made to move this work forward, with each group tackling a key theme and offering ideas for immediate next steps and longer-term change.

Jane Knowles, the CEO of SASP, concluded the event with some profound words: “I have been really re-energised by this morning, let’s stay in lived experience and those real stories.”

Kate Smith, Associate Director of Strategic Programmes at the NHS, when asked about the day, said:

“I think if I could give one word to summarise the day, I would say it’s the amount of energy that’s in the room, a lot of shared enthusiasm and passion. It’s like this piece of work has come at the right time.”

This collaboration marked an important step in a journey to create better health outcomes with our local communities. By building on the insights and enthusiasm shared, the Somerset CHC steering group will lay the groundwork for more connected, compassionate, and community-led care and they look forward to the next step in this journey.

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This event was facilitated by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.