Caring for Józef in 2031
Józef is 82, is originally from Poland and has lived in Britain for ten years. He does not speak English. He has type 2 diabetes and has previously had a stroke.
When Józef develops chest pain, an ambulance takes him to the Emergency Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Information from the ambulance team is available promptly and staff can see his existing health record, medicines and medical history. He does not have to rely on a relative to interpret: a professional interpreter is arranged quickly so he can explain what has happened, understand the tests being carried out and take part in decisions about his care.
Józef is assessed promptly and treated with dignity and compassion. The team considers his chest pain alongside his diabetes, previous stroke and wider needs. Tests and specialist advice are coordinated without unnecessary delay, and information is explained clearly through the interpreter. Józef knows what is happening and has time to ask questions.
Józef needs to stay in hospital for two nights for monitoring. His care is joined up across the Emergency Department, acute medical team, pharmacy and other specialists. His diabetes and medicines are managed safely, and staff use the same electronic patient record to share updates and avoid duplication. Any reasonable adjustments and support with communication, mobility, eating, drinking and personal care are recorded and followed.
From the start of Józef’s admission, the team discusses what he will need when he leaves hospital. It becomes clear that he cannot return home safely without further assessment and support. Józef is involved in considering the available options, with a professional interpreter throughout and, if he wishes, support from family or someone he trusts. The team first explores rehabilitation, reablement, adaptations and care at home, before agreeing with Józef that a care-home placement is the safest and most appropriate option. His cultural, religious, dietary, communication and personal care needs are understood as part of finding a suitable home, without making assumptions about what
matters to him.
Hospital teams work with Lewisham community services, adult social care and potential care providers to plan the next stage of Józef’s care. Assessments begin early, responsibility is clear and delays are escalated. The team keeps Józef informed through a professional interpreter while a suitable placement is found. Before he moves, the care home receives an accurate summary of his health, medicines, diabetes management, mobility, communication needs and follow-up plan.
When Józef is ready to leave hospital, safe transport is arranged and the care home is prepared to receive him. He and those supporting him know where he is going, why the placement is suitable and what will happen next. Follow-up is coordinated, and the right information is available to the professionals responsible for his ongoing care.
Five years from now, Józef’s experience of LGT is defined by rapid assessment, communication he can understand, safe and joined-up care, and a discharge planned around his health, independence and individual needs.
Józef is an illustrative patient.