NHS England
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Fire as a health asset? Or a health necessity?
A new partnership has been established between NHS England and the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), to use their collective capabilities and resources more effectively to enhance the lives of older people and those with complex conditions.
Working together with Public Health England, the Chief Fire Officers Association, theLocal Government Association and Age UK, the group has established a new working relationship aimed at improving the quality of life for people who would benefit from brief health and wellbeing interventions in their own homes, and better coordinated public services.
Jacquie White, NHS England’s Deputy Director for People with Long Term Conditions, explained: “The Fire and Rescue Services in England carry out 670,000 home visits annually on vulnerable people.
“These are already providing some basic health interventions – but they are keen to do more.
“Health and local government staff in some areas are working with the FRS to identify households with complex conditions or needs and increased risk of fire. They agree a local list of health interventions to be provided, while also developing ways of directing people who need help from health or care services.”
NHS England is supporting the local development of a whole system, multi-agency approach to deliver the national commitment of more integrated person centred care closer to home.
A consensus statement between NHS England, the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, PHE, LGA and Age UK will be published soon along with design principles for ‘safe and well visits’ and links to case studies.
