Urgent Community Response
What is HomeFirst?
HomeFirst is short term service that supports people to return home and help them to recover in their own surroundings after a stay in hospital. Our team is made up of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and support assistants.
This service is not a long term or permanent ‘care’ option, and you must consent to a social care referral to be accepted onto our service. Our aim is to work with you for a short period until social care can provide permanent care or support for you.
Should you decide, at any point, that ongoing care is not required, we will then make a discharge plan with you.
What we do?
Once you are home from hospital your needs will be assessed, and a treatment plan agreed with you. Visits from our team will be scheduled and we will support you to regain your previous levels of activity as able. The team will visit the same day, or the next day if you are discharged after 17:00.
Our service can provide support with personal care, meal preparation, essential transfers, and mobility. We do not offer domestic or shopping services.
Will I have to pay?
HomeFirst is a short-term NHS service which is free of charge. Your long-term care needs will need to be assessed by social services. You should be aware that for long-term provision you may incur a charge and your social worker will discuss this with you.
Your HomeFirst appointments
We provide a visit window (as per below). Due to the demand on our service, we do not offer set times for visits. All times given are approximate only.
| Morning | 08:00 until 10:00 | |
| Late morning | 10:00 until 12:00 | |
| Lunch | 12:00 until 14:00 | |
| Afternoon | 14:00 until 16:00 | |
| Tea | 16:00 until 18:00 | |
| Evening | 18:00 until 20:00 | |
| Bed | 20:00 until 22:00 |
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 065070 (Option 2, UCR) 08:00 until 20:00pm, 7 days a week
Email: [email protected]
Chaperone
If you feel you would like a chaperone, please discuss with your visiting nurse prior to the procedure. To accommodate this your visit may need to be rescheduled. A carer, friend or relative is welcome to support you during procedures.
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]