Milton Keynes City Council celebrates community improvements and warns residents to stay alert

Joined up care is making ‘returning home from hospital’ better It’s been one year since a new partnership was introduced to give local residents who need ongoing care a better experience and faster return home from hospital, and it’s having a big impact. In the 12 months since the MK Integrated Discharge Hub was launched, […] The post Milton Keynes City Council celebrates community improvements and warns residents to stay alert first appeared on MK Pulse.

Joined up care is making ‘returning home from hospital’ better

It’s been one year since a new partnership was introduced to give local residents who need ongoing care a better experience and faster return home from hospital, and it’s having a big impact.

In the 12 months since the MK Integrated Discharge Hub was launched, there has been a significant decrease in the amount of time spent in hospital by those who could be discharged. That decrease was as much as 25% for complex discharge cases which can see patients staying in hospital for three extra weeks or longer because of challenges in arranging their care.

The Hub was set up by Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes City Council, and Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust combining some of their teams last year. Hub specialists work 365 days a year to make sure patients leaving the hospital have a smooth transition with the right social care and support.

By combining services, the partners have simplified processes, cut duplication, and lessened delays caused by moving between services – a common issue not just in Milton Keynes but across the country.

A dedicated Housing Officer is on hand to make sure housing needs are considered and a Voluntary Sector Co-ordinator connects patients with community organisations that can help them maintain their independence at home.

Local partners such as Age UK work alongside the hub to offer practical support.

Warning about rogue traders

Milton Keynes City Council is warning residents to be cautious following reports of rogue traders operating across the city.

The city council has helped residents who have been offered roof tile replacement, loft insulation, driveway cleaning and other home improvements by traders knocking on doors without notice. These traders often pressure residents into accepting work, fail to provide proper quotes or paperwork, and leave behind poor-quality jobs leading to costly repairs.  In some instances, there was no evidence the work needed doing at all; some rogue traders take the opportunity of storms and other bad weather to convince local people that hard to spot damage has happened when it hasn’t.

Residents are advised to look out for the warning signs:

• ‘too good to be true’ quotes that are only available that day
• services offered at the door
• no written quotes
• requests for cash payments
• asking for money up front

The city council regularly investigates rogue traders and can potentially take them to court. If found guilty, a rogue trader can receive up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine. To stay safe, residents are encouraged to use approved traders listed on Buy With Confidence.

The city council is asking residents to report any suspicious knocks on the door or offers of services that seem unusual or untrustworthy.

Reports can be made by calling 0808 223 1133.

Accessible play park opens in Coffee Hall

Milton Keynes City Council has upgraded its play park in Coffee Hall, creating a fresh and inclusive space for children and families to enjoy.  

In partnership with Woughton Community Council, Milton Keynes City Council has installed an accessible roundabout, trampoline, see-saw, sensory huts, wide slides and sculptures all designed to be fully accessible. 

The park officially opened on 1 November and is fully fenced making it a safe space for children with extra needs to explore safety.

The post Milton Keynes City Council celebrates community improvements and warns residents to stay alert first appeared on MK Pulse.