A FIRE service and GP practice have joined forces in a bid to save lives.

If successful, the pilot project will be extended to other surgeries covered by East Sussex Fire and Rescue.

The idea behind the scheme is to help highlight potential issues experienced by high-risk patients to help reduce the number of admissions to hospital.

Fire service safe and well practitioner Susan Taylor is working closely with Rowe Avenue Surgery in Peacehaven to raise any concerns she may pick up when she carries out checks at people’s homes.

She is sent a list of 100 referrals each month, who are then individually contacted via a phone call or, if required, a home visit.

This information helps to identify those most vulnerable who may possibly benefit from further help and support.

Ms Taylor said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is a trusted brand, which is a great way to get our foot in the door to ensure that everybody is able to cope in their own home.

“We are able to flag up any issues of isolation, frailty, or those who do not have support or family nearby.

“We believe it is crucial to do this to help keep people out of hospital and we are able to do this by gaining access to people’s homes and report any safeguarding, or health, issues.

“Evidence has shown us that vulnerable people are more prone to fires if they are neglected, or left, in the home alone.

“Using sub-standard means for heat can also potentially place a resident at risk of having a fire.

“This also enables us to identify and reduce risks to and from fire, as well as refer vulnerable individuals to relevant agencies, who can provide support and interventions.

“Also, we are able to provide face-to-face support to enhance general wellbeing.

“By working in partnership with a doctor’s surgery we can work towards averting accidents in the home, which can result in additional strain to an already busy NHS.

“A bone fractured in a fall causes untold pain and anguish as well as reduces the individual’s independence during their recovery to health.”

For every 25 visits made, a potential life can be saved.

Ms Taylor’s work includes assessing how a person is feeling and referring someone to East Sussex County Council’s adult social care services if necessary.

She can also arrange to install specialist smoke alarms which have a vibrating plate and strobe light if a person has a hearing problem.

The service can also provide fire retardant bedding or a blanket, fit carbon monoxide detectors and refer people on to other specialist professionals.

FACTORS THAT MY INCREASE THE RISK TO AND FROM FIRE

Fire:

• FIRE RISK

• LIVING CONDITIONS

• PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

• EYESIGHT / HEARING

• HOARDING

• SMOKING

• FRAILTY/ELDERLY

• DISABILITIES

• MENTAL HEALTH / DEMEMTIA

• ALCOHOL/DRUGS

• PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

Wellbeing:

• NUTRITION

• SLIPS & FALLS

• OBESITY

• ADAPTATIONS

• HEATING

• ISOLATION

• SCAMS / FINANCE

• ABUSE

• SECURITY

• GENERAL SUPPORT NEEDS