The Gold Line
The Gold Line is a new dedicated 24/7 telephone service for people who may be in their last year of life and their families across Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven and Bradford. The care provided by the nurses running the helpline and the services they coordinate has meant that a significantly higher proportion of people have been able to die in the place of their choosing (usually at home) than the national average. Every patient should receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Who is this for?
The Gold Line is a new dedicated service for people who are being cared for on the Gold Standards Framework. This is about offering a gold standard of care for people with a serious illness who may be in their last year of life.
What is it?
The Gold Line is a single point of contact for you or your carer acting on your behalf. You can access help and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be supported in your preferred place of care wherever possible.
When can you use it?
You can use the Gold Line whenever you or your carer feel unsure or concerned about your health.
It is mainly for you to use:
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When your GP surgery is closed
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As an alternative to ringing 111
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If you are finding it difficult to get help during the day and you need some advice.
Who will you speak to?
The Gold Line is run by senior nurses at Airedale Hospital. If the line is busy, you can leave a message and a nurse will get back to you once they are free.
What help can you get?
The nurses will give you advice and support. They will contact other services you may need, including a doctor, community nurse, the hospice and others.
By providing extra advice and support at home, you may be able to avoid going into hospital. However if needed, admission to hospital or hospice can be arranged.
What about your health record?
With your permission, the nurse can access your health record on the computer so that they can see your current situation and medicines etc.
They will also enter the details of your call into your health record so that your usual health care team can see the details.
The Gold Line works closely with all the other people involved in your care.
How can you find out more about end of life and palliative care issues?
The Palliative Care Team at Airedale Hospital has selected a list of high quality websites offering information, advice and support for patients and carers.
