Why it matters: Some patients remain on wards despite being well enough to go home simply because appropriate support is not yet in place, preventing new admissions and putting recovering patients at risk of picking up further infections.
The details: Lisa Nobes, Director of Nursing for the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, is asking families, carers and friends to contact nurses if they can provide temporary support to help their loved ones return home.
The NHS comes under considerable pressure every winter, with increased admissions and high levels of winter viruses, including flu and respiratory conditions, stretching services to the limit. This year is no different, and local hospitals are currently very busy.
What she's saying: "Our local health care staff are doing an amazing job during this challenging time, as they always do," said Ms Nobes. "However, we need to ensure that people who are waiting in our emergency areas can be admitted by discharging medically fit patients who only remain in hospital because the appropriate home support they require at home is not yet in place.
"I would ask anyone who is able to support a loved one who is well enough to go home to come forward and assist us. Not only will they be helping their loved one or friend on the road to recovery, but they will also be helping somebody else to get the right care."
Why home is better: Ms Nobes added: "The longer well patients remain in hospital when they are fit for discharge, the longer they are at risk of picking up further viruses, not sleeping properly, and not mobilising enough. There really is no place like home – nobody wants to be in hospital any longer than they need to be."
What's next: Hospital teams and social workers will liaise with anyone able to help to provide the support required for their loved one's recovery.
The bottom line: By stepping in to provide temporary support, families can help their loved ones recover at home whilst freeing up crucial hospital beds for patients who need them most.
