The royal voluntary services

I read in the news recently that they asked for volunteers to assist older people who come out of hospital and are left alone. Apparently, older people go back into hospital soon after being discharged. So what does that tell the NHS,adult social services, the govemet and other agencies? Well, what happened in the past, perhaps some five are ago or so, the local NHS trust, they were primary health care trusts then, ensured older people had a package of care. Six weeks after leaving hospital they would have help from therapists and care workers, possibly a social worker. They would be settled in, doctors contacted, and older people were less likely to re enter hospital. The austerity measures are no longer mentioned but a talk with a senior worked in the NHS made me think. These sorts of co.ordinated efforts to help older people are not available and so it is up to us as individuals to volunteer because we cannot see older people be in left alone and to their own devices.

Lentil soup dahl

Lentil soup can be bland if there is not enough seasoning and spice. I tend to boil lentils separately to get the right consistency. Red split lentils boil the quickest. So boil them and once they are tender, drain the water away leaving a little amount for stock. If you prefer not to have a soup with texture, blend the lentils until they are a smooth puree. Otherwise leave them as they are. Around four handfuls of lentils for four people. You'll need a small teaspoon of cumin seeds, ground coriander powder and a small teaspoon of chilli flakes. Fry them in olive oil or rapeseed oil. I put in two tablespoons because you don't need too much for dahl. If you like garlic, add two cloves to give it a kick. Leave these all to fry - you need to take it off the heat before it starts to burn. Garlic on high heat will do so very quickly. Then pour in the lentil mixture, stir in until the spices and garlic are evenly mixed. Some restaurants tend to pour the spices and garlic mixture over the warm lentils so everything floats at the top. You can add a few chopped coriander leaves. Nice with some rice or fresh bread.