Rotherham Care Home Reduces Ambulance Call Outs By Nearly Half Through Hydration Initiative

A care home in Rotherham has reduced ambulance callouts by 45% and cut falls by 62% after launching a new hydration initiative designed to keep residents healthy and out of hospital.

Part of We Care Group, Byron Lodge Care Home in Wath upon Dearne introduced a dedicated Hydration Station alongside fruit platters, mocktail events and other activities to encourage residents to drink more fluids.

The focus on increased fluid intake aims to reduce the risk of falls, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hospital admissions and comes as the UK experiences another record breaking heatwave.

This follows the release of data from the UK Health Security Agency in April 2026 which revealed there were an estimated 1,504 heat-associated deaths in England throughout summer 2025, with older age groups experiencing the highest levels of heat-related mortality. The report also found those aged 75 and over were among the most vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.

As a result of the new measures, Byron Lodge has almost halved its ambulance callouts, reduced falls by more than 60%, and achieved its lowest level of ambulance transfers to hospital in over a year. Despite a heatwave at the end of May 2026, the home also recorded a significant drop in hospital admissions.

Speaking about the success of the initiative, home manager Maxine Gascoigne said: “Keeping our residents hydrated is vital for their overall health and wellbeing in the summer months, particularly as we head into another heatwave. Dehydration can be extremely dangerous in the elderly and vulnerable, so we’re delighted residents have been getting involved and engaging with our Hydration Station. We have even recently been presented with a Gold Hydration Certificate by the NHS and Careskills for the wonderful results we’re seeing.

“We’re currently experiencing an exciting period of positive change at Byron Lodge, and this achievement is evidence of the whole team’s hard work and dedication. Thank you to the team and families who have contributed to this success – this commitment to delivering high-quality care continues to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.”