Lincolnshire health and care partners are urging local people to do all they can to help their relatives, friends and neighbours leave hospital settings in time for Christmas.
Health and care organisations have been working together to improve the level of ‘wrap around’ rehabilitation and reablement care that people may require when they leave hospital this winter. This is helping more people go straight home from hospital rather than into another setting such as a care home.
Despite this drive to help get people home more quickly, there can sometimes be delays due to other issues. There are a number of ways that family members, friends and neighbours can help their loved one get home:
- offer them a lift home
- check they have a key
- get essential supplies, such as bread and milk
- make sure their home is warm and safe
- make sure they have suitable clothing and shoes
Rebecca Neno, Winter Director at NHS Lincolnshire ICB said,
“We want people to be able to return home, or to another suitable care setting, as soon as they are medically fit. This is much better for their recovery, both physically and mentally.
“Our multi-disciplinary teams in hospitals continuously assess people to find out when they are ready to go home and help get the right services in place to support them. But often something as simple as a wait for transport or a missing house key can create a delay. We’re urging people to do everything they can to help their loved ones get home in time for Christmas.”
Daren Fradgley, Group Chief Integration Officer at Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group said,
“We know how important it is for patients to be surrounded by loved ones, especially at this time of year. If your relative is well enough to leave hospital, the best place for them to continue their recovery is at home or in a familiar community setting.
“By supporting your loved one’s transfer of care, you’re not only helping them return to comfort and independence sooner but also helping us care for those who need a hospital bed most urgently over the busy Christmas period. We’re incredibly grateful to families who work with us to make this possible.”