Gary, Veteran, Royal Marines, leaves hospital early thanks to DMWS

Gary is a 55 year old former Royal Marine Corporal he served for 11 years and was medically retired due to an accident, he uses a wheelchair and is still able to drive. Classed as vulnerable during lockdown he was unable to go out and his activities stopped. As a result of his reduced mobility he developed pressure sores and was admitted to hospital. Gary was referred to DMWS Welfare Support Worker, Rachel. In order to be discharged home Gary needed a specialist tilting bed that would help with his recovery and prevent further pressure sores. The only one available to him via the NHS required his carer to reposition him every two hours including overnight. There was a bed available that automatically tilts and repositions, but this was unavailable on the NHS due to the cost of £10,000.
Rachel liaised with the discharge team and SSAFA to put together a proposal to apply for funding an automatically tilting bed that would support his recovery, prevent pressure sores and reduce the amount of manual handling Gary’s carer would need to do. Gary initially went home with the manual tilt bed; this meant he did not have to go to care home whilst waiting for funding. One week after being home the funding was agreed. Rachel spoke to the company supplying the bed, the person she spoke to was also a veteran; a week later the bed arrived. Gary’s condition has improved, he’s in a home environment with his carer Kim and the dogs which is much better for his mental health and long term recovery.