Penrhos Polish village set to be used to help hospital patients return home

A new social care project is set to be launched to support hospital patients to return to their own homes.

The Cynllun Penyberth scheme will make use of houses at the former Penrhos Polish village in Pen Llŷn to accommodate people who are well enough to leave hospital but require further assistance before going home.

The initiative, which will be in place over the winter, is able to cater for up to 12 people at any one time.

The aim is support older or vulnerable people to develop the strength and skills they need to live in their own homes.

The project is being run by Gwynedd Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for care said: “We are currently facing a huge challenge to ensure that people who leave hospital have a suitable care package in place.

“This is particularly felt in some areas of the county, but in Dwyfor we are pleased to be working with our partners at the health board and others to offer a temporary measure so that people can begin their journey home.

“Cynllun Penyberth shows what we can achieve when we think creatively together as partners in the health and care sector.

“Dedicated staff are available on-site as well as access to a local GP who is able to offer additional support if required.

“This scheme offers people the chance to regain strength and confidence so that they are able to go back home and continue to live independently at home.”

Chris Lynes, nurse director for the western area of north Wales at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Unfortunately many of our patients are delayed from leaving hospital due to the current shortage of domiciliary care in our communities.

“The Penyberth project is an example of positive partnership working to enable patients to leave hospital in a timely way when they are medically fit to do so and to support them to return to their own homes with a structured plan supported by the wider community resource team.”

Dr Eilir Hughes, GP cluster lead for the Dwyfor area said: “It has been an incredibly challenging time for both the health and social care sector, and this project emphasises how intertwined both elements of care are and that we must work as one in order to recover from the pandemic.

“We know people recover faster when they’re in a setting that closely resembles a home environment rather than a hospital ward.

“I hope this is the first of many such innovative projects that aims to remedy the care demand we have in our communities.”

Over recent months, there have been a number of people from the Dwyfor area waiting for home care, including those waiting to leave hospital.

The partners said Cynllun Penyberth offers a “convenient” site for residents in the area.

It makes use of Clwyd Alyn’s homes at Penrhos, with a team of care staff employed by Gofal Seibiant and other health and social care professionals to offer support as required.

Executive director of care and support at Clwyd Alyn, Edward Hughes added: “We are very happy to be working with our partners on this new and innovative service.

“Clwyd Alyn took over Penrhos Polish Village in 2020 and since then we have been eager to work with Gwynedd Council and the local health board to be able to offer help and support to those who need it.”