Message in a Bottle
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The aim of the scheme
is to save lives of those taken ill in their own home
and to save valuable time (and money) for the Emergency
Services, hospitals and doctors. Vital health and next
of kin information is kept in a container, which is
itself kept in the householder’s fridge. The container
has the recognisable Data Link logo on the outside.
There is a corresponding label on the
outside of the fridge and one on the inside of the front
door so the Emergency Services, doctors and health professionals
will know where to look for the container. The information
will go with the patient to the hospital thus also saving
the Accident & Emergency staff valuable time. |
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Why is it happening?
The scheme is targeted at the elderly and
vulnerable who are especially likely to be on medication.
Where the scheme is in use elsewhere in the UK, Australia,
New Zealand and Canada it has saved lives, by giving the emergency
services key information, therefore ensuring the patient receives
the right treatment more quickly.
Who is involved?
The launch of the scheme has been managed
by Age Concern Durham County in liaison with the Emergency
Services and health professionals with funding being provided
by Durham County SRB 6 programme, Age Concern Durham County
and other charitable donations.
The scheme is supported by:
- Durham County Police
- Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue
Service
- North East Ambulance Service
- NHS Primary Care Trusts
- Durham County Social Services
- Local Authorities
- Careline Services
- Age Concern Durham County
How do I get hold of a pack?
The packs are being targeted for the elderly
and vulnerable and will be available through most Doctors
surgeries, Chemists, Careline, Health Centres and of course
at all Age Concern Durham County offices.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL YOUR SURGERY ABOUT THIS
SCHEME. If you are unable to obtain a pack or require some
more information call your local Age Concern Durham County
Office:
- Easington Office – 0191 586 7601
- Derwentside Office – 01207 218866
- Dales Office – 01388 661133
- Sedgefield Office – 01388 770505
- Durham and Chester-le-St. 0191 371 8601
Alternatively you can email info@ageconcern-durham.org.uk,
please include your phone no. and the village/town where you
live. Your details will be passed to our Locality Office covering
your area and they will arrange to contact you.
What to do I do when I get the pack?
The pack comes with a white form, the plastic
container, two stickers and an Age Concern Durham County information
booklet.
- complete the form using a ballpoint pen.
- place form inside container.
- please enclose a repeat prescription
form, if you have one, for up-to-date information on your
medication.
- the labels:
- stick one to the inside of your front
door (placed so it is not visible from outside) at eye
level above the lock.
- stick the other to the outside of
the fridge door.
- place the container in your fridge in
a door compartment where it will be safe and quickly found
- if there are several members of your
household who suffer from an illness or allergy you should
photocopy the blank form, then complete one form each and
place up to four forms in the container. Only use a second
container if necessary.
- if two people of the same sex live in
the house a small photograph can be attached at the top
of the form next to the person’s details to help identify
each individual
- keep the booklet in a safe and handy
location as it contains a lot of useful information and
contact details.
Message in a Bottle is funded
by ONE North East, through the SRB6 package, and other Charitable
donations.
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