Small steps to help patients get home

Dr Andy Reddick, Emergency Medicine consultant and Clinical Service Director for Winter, said: “We’re starting to see a reduction in the levels of flu, Covid and other viruses in the community, but our hospitals, GPs and out-of-hours service remain very busy so we still need your support to ensure we keep providing the best possible care and treatment to everyone who needs it.

“As part of our ‘Discharge Without Delay’ programme, we aim to discharge patients as soon as they are well enough, and this may be with community care and rehabilitation services to support them at home. If you are admitted to hospital, we will start planning your discharge with you and your family or carer early in your stay which gives you, and your health and social care teams, time to put in place any support you may need.

“If you have a loved one, friend or neighbour in hospital and they are ready to return home, there are some simple things you can do to help. Collecting them and getting them safely home is a great help, as it means the ambulance patient transfer service can focus on more urgent journeys.

“Also, make sure the person’s heating is on, their cupboards are stocked with food and other essentials and they have all the medication they need.

“Of course, if this isn’t possible, we will ensure there is a plan in place to support you.”