A ‘Red Bag’ scheme which helps Stockport care home residents when they go into hospital for an emergency is about to be rolled out across the area.

The scheme was initially trialled across 20 care homes in Stockport. Following the pilot’s success it will be rolled out to other care homes and extra care accommodation across the area.

The ‘Red Bag’ holds standardised information about the resident`s general health and any existing medical conditions, medication they are taking and the current health concern. 

This means that ambulance and hospital staff can determine the treatment a resident needs quickly.

The bag also has room for personal belongings (such as clothing, footwear, glasses, hearing aid, dentures) and stays with the patient whilst they are in hospital.

When patients are ready to go home, a copy of their discharge summary (which details every aspect of the care they received in hospital) is placed in the bag. 

The Red Bag also clearly identifies a patient as being a care home resident which means it may be possible for the patient to be discharged sooner, because the care home is able to support the resident.