Shin Gye-yong, the mayor of Gwacheon, emphasized on September 1 that while hospitals are responsible for treating illnesses, it is the role of the community and administration to help citizens return to a healthy daily life.
Mayor Shin has initiated the 'Gwacheon Model of Integrated Care,' which closely connects healthcare and welfare.
On the same day, he signed a memorandum of understanding with Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang Saem Hospital, and Seoul Wise Nursing Hospital to support the reintegration of discharged patients into the community.
The core of this agreement is to establish a system where care does not end when treatment is completed at the hospital, but rather continues until citizens can return to their daily lives with community support.
The participating hospitals will provide information about discharged patients who need care to the city, and the city's integrated care staff will visit these homes to assess living conditions and care needs.
Subsequently, they will coordinate with local welfare and nursing personnel to offer tailored integrated care services, including home nursing, rehabilitation, dementia management, and daily living support.
Notably, this initiative extends the citizen-centered, community-focused welfare administration that Mayor Shin has emphasized into the healthcare sector.
Citizens have expressed optimism about the launch of the Gwacheon Model of Integrated Care, viewing it as a realistic policy that ensures administrative support even after returning home from the hospital.
One resident stated, “While in the hospital, medical staff take care of everything, but once we return home, families often have to handle everything alone. If the city continues to provide support after discharge, it will significantly reduce the burden on families.”
Another resident remarked, “Welfare is not just about providing financial support; it’s crucial to connect those in need with the services they require in a timely manner. I hope Gwacheon can effectively operate a system that links hospitals, local community centers, and professionals.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Shin Gye-yong stated, “City officials and specialized personnel will work together to be a reliable partner in caring for citizens’ lives, ensuring that no one is left alone in the gap of care after discharge. We will strive to create a happy welfare city in Gwacheon.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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