The Onward Care service was developed to reduce unplanned hospital admissions for frail people living at home and has been in operation since January 2023. The non-clinical service has reduced readmission rates for patients in the programme by 66% whilst also improving health inequalities, social isolation and self-confidence.
Patients will be offered three weeks’ worth of main meals from Wiltshire Farm Foods. They are able to select from a range of 30 meals including both premium and basic dishes to suit all tastes.
The dishes on offer include cottage pie, lasagne, breaded fish and chips, seafood paella, chicken tikka masala, fisherman’s pie, coq au vin and cauliflower cheese and broccoli bake. Five frozen meals are delivered each week, direct from Wiltshire Farm Foods.
Philip Leigh, chief executive of Health & Care at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Having developed and implemented the service in conjunction with the Trust we know that the Onward Care service is having a positive impact on patients discharged from hospital, and we are pleased to be able to enhance the service further with the addition of these free meals through our new partnership with Wiltshire Farm Foods.
“We are committed to doing all we can to help improve the communities in which we operate and through this new partnership we are able to address health inequalities and boost the health and wellbeing of many frail and vulnerable patients returning home after a hospital stay.
“Having the convenience of frozen ready-made meals, prepared by expert chefs, delivered to their door will help them gain their independence and build their self-confidence and most importantly will ensure that they are able to easily enjoy hot nutritious meals which will aid in their recovery.”
Wiltshire Farm Foods meals are made from quality ingredients by expert chefs, they microwave from frozen and offer a complete balanced, tasty and nutritious meal in a matter of minutes.
Lee Sheppard, director of corporate affairs, policy & sustainability at Wiltshire Farm Foods, added: “Making a real difference to the people and communities we serve is core to Wiltshire Farm Foods. Partnering with Sodexo and the Onward Care service at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to support vulnerable patients during their return home from hospital is a meaningful initiative.
“It highlights the importance of tasty, nourishing food in aiding recovery and underscores the value of working together to prevent hospital re-admissions. We’re proud to be part of this joint collaborative partnership.”