Top Boy star Dave’s mum helps south London hospital patients

Rapper Dave, who starred in the Netflix show, said he is "incredibly proud" of his mum Juliet Omoregie, who founded the Juliet O Foundation, which hands out free discharge packs to hospital patients.

The former NHS worker of more than 35 years retired two years ago and set up the charity to help the elderly and vulnerable.

The packs were designed to help patients settle back into their homes after a hospital stay, and reduce hospital readmissions.

Each pack includes non-slip socks to prevent falls, which caused 219,155 emergency hospital admissions last year in England for people aged 65 and older.

Essentials such as soap, hand sanitiser, hand wash, toothpaste, tea, and coffee are also included to reduce infection and maintain patients' independence.

Dave, also known as Santan Dave, said: "I’m incredibly proud of my mum and everything she’s built with the Juliet O Foundation.

"It means a lot to be able to support her in such a meaningful and impactful mission.

"Watching her turn this vision into reality and being part of the journey has been truly inspiring."

The Brit award-winning rapper's praise comes after Juliet's recent visit to launch the programme at Epsom Hospital in Surrey.

She said: "In my last job, I noticed most of my elderly patients were really stressed when they were going home because they didn’t have the basic essentials they needed.

"My son is very proud of me for doing this.

"I’ve self-funded the programme so far, with his help.

"We’re now building partnerships with UK businesses, as well as local businesses and shops, and warmly welcome any businesses or individuals who would like to support us."

Juliet used her knowledge as a reablement and assessment officer to make the packs.

The packs were first given out at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, and feedback from patients and staff helped shape the final selection of items.

After the success of the trial at St George's where around 100 patients each month now receive discharge packs, the programme has since expanded across South London, including at the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals and Health Group (GESH).

With help from Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, a further 70 patients each month at Epsom and St Helier will benefit.

Molly Simpson, head of charity and fundraising at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, said: "Dave proves that caring for others can come from every corner of our community and he’s helping to make a huge difference for some of our most vulnerable patients.

"Leaving hospital can be a scary time for many – these packs are supporting patients by giving them back their independence and reducing anxieties about returning home."

Davina Metters, director of fundraising and communications at St George’s Hospital Charity, said: "We are incredibly grateful to The Juliet O Foundation for their generosity.

"Thanks to Juliet, we’re able to enhance the care we provide to patients and offer them an extra layer of comfort as they return home.

"We are very proud that St George’s was the first hospital to do this, and thrilled to see it go from strength to strength – now reaching even more people.

"This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve together for our patients."