NHS urges public to help get their family home for Christmas

When patients no longer need to be in hospital, getting back home or into a quieter, more familiar environment is best for their recovery. 

Over a holiday period, this can become even more important.

As the cold season starts and winter viruses flourish, the NHS will be under increased pressure, with more patients coming into hospital sick and space urgently needed to treat them.

Hospitals across the country struggle throughout the year with patients who are clinically ready to be discharged from hospital sometimes meaning other people wait longer for an emergency admission and a bed to become available.

Evidence shows that it’s much better for a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing to leave hospital as soon as they no longer need to be in that acute environment. This helps them avoid some of the risks associated with longer hospital stays, such as the loss of independence and mobility.

Wendy Lewis, director of system coordination and flow for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “Let’s get home for Christmas. The sooner you leave hospital, the sooner your recovery and recuperation will begin.

“You will only leave hospital when you are medically well enough. Your care team will talk to you and your family regularly throughout your stay about your discharge and how best to prepare for that to happen as soon as its appropriate.

“If you need some additional support once you leave hospital then your needs will be assessed, and appropriate support provided to help you.

“Our NHS staff are already working harder than ever to treat the sickest patients many of whom require time in hospital for treatment for RSV or other seasonal sicknesses. At the same time, it is always the case at this time of year that the NHS is caring for high numbers of patients who are actually ready to go home and spend the Christmas break with their families.

“The benefits of continuing recovery at home, where patients are in a more familiar and relaxed environment, are huge, especially with the love and support of their loved ones.” 

Across the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria, staff are committed to helping patients get better and return to their own environments as quickly and safely as possible. Teams are working extremely hard to improve the flow of patients through our hospitals so that when someone needs acute hospital care they are able to access it.

Patients, particularly older people, need support to continue their recovery in their own home environment or, for those few who cannot go straight home from hospital, within a care location most suited to their needs.

Everyone involved is responsible for reducing long, unnecessary stays in hospital and there are specific actions that can be taken.

Some top tips for families and friends bringing someone home from hospital include:

• Have a prescription check in on elderly loved ones
• Make sure they have their prescription medicines available, or if they need help picking them up, before the festive period—or before bad weather hits.
• If your loved one needs help while GP practices or pharmacies are closed, NHS 111 is here for them. 
• Visit 111.nhs.uk for advice on what to do and where to go. A little care can go a long way. 
• Ensure they have sufficient amounts to eat and drink
• Make sure there are no trip hazards to prevent falls
• If your loved one needs to go out then ensure they have sturdy shoes with a good grip. A scarf around the mouth will help to protect them from the cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.

For practical advice, visit england.nhs.uk/wherebestnext