From Mike Bomford, Exeter 382173, May 22, 2007

When Ann Judd's mother, Joan, tripped and fell at her home near Barnstaple, Ann, finding her on the floor, telephoned 999. The call triggered an emergency response by paramedics who assessing Joan as having no broken bones called her GP who put her in touch with the multi agency Pathfinder Rapid Response Team at North Devon District Hospital.

85 year old Joan enjoys her independence, living in her own home, but the fall set her back physically, adding to the existing difficulties she has with dementia.

The Pathfinder Team comprises health and social care staff from Northern Devon Healthcare Trust and Devon County Council. It helps people remain independent at home, often avoiding a need to go to hospital or move into residential or nursing care. It also helps people return home safely from hospital, providing intermediate care until a person is well enough to manage again for themself.

"A member of staff arrived promptly with a walking frame and other equipment to help mum, and arranged for visits twice daily to help with her personal care," said Ann.

"The service was fantastic. I've only complimentary things to say about them. The staff were very efficient, kind and helpful."

The Team helped Joan gradually to a point where she was able to cope on her own again. That decision was reached by Ann with her mother after a discussion with the staff, and it was agreed that Joan's progress was good enough to withdraw the support.

"I was extremely impressed with the help that my mother and I received from all the people involved," said Ann.

The Pathfinder Rapid Response Team at North Devon District Hospital is one example of how health and social care services are working together across Devon to help people remain as independent as possible in their own home.

A similar team works from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Exeter, helping hundreds of people each year avoid the need to be admitted to hospital or into residential or nursing care.

Devon County Council's Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, Cllr John Rawlinson, said:

"The Pathfinder Rapid Response Team in North Devon performs an essential role in helping people return to health and maximise their independence.

"Across Devon, the County Council works alongside the health authorities to jointly provide services, tailor made to the individual.

"We're also working alongside Devon Primary Care Trust and looking at how we can more fully integrate primary health and social care services."