Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some but, for many, there is no place like home.
Nottingham University Hospitals said:
‘We know that people recover much quicker at home with all their own, familiar things around them and with the love and support of their families and friends.
“At this time of year, it is even more important that everyone who is able to can be at home.
“This winter is proving to be very challenging and we are asking for your help in supporting your loved ones while they are in hospital and also helping them get ready to be discharged home. ”
There are some very simple steps you can take to help make the transition home as easy and as comfortable as possible, once a discharge date has been confirmed.
These include making sure your loved one has suitable clothing and shoes for the journey home, staying in contact with the ward to find out and check on their expected discharge date and time, helping to organise transport home and making sure the place that they call home is warm and has basic supplies like milk, tea and bread ready for their arrival.
“Our staff will, of course, continue to do all they can to support patients in leaving the hospital in a timely manner, however, discharge from the hospital can be delayed for a number of often complex reasons. Most often in relation to the further care that’s needed after they leave the hospital.
“On these occasions, you can also help us whilst we arrange ongoing care packages, by collecting your loved one as soon as they are well enough to leave the hospital. If you are a relative, friend or carer, you can further support us by providing some basic support and care at home while the care package is being confirmed. This can often mean your loved one can return home quicker and will not need to find a short-term living solution in our community.
• Critical Incident declared across entire Nottingham and Nottinghamshire health and care system
Basic care can include helping your loved one get washed and dressed, cooking a nice meal for them or simply making sure they are well-fed and hydrated. It can also be very helpful to collect prescriptions and do their food shopping for them or make simple adaptations to the home to enable them to be as comfortable as possible.
“We are currently extremely busy with very high numbers of patients attending hospital and if you are able to support your loved one’s recovery and help them return home as soon as possible (providing they are medically fit to do so), it will also help us to free up our beds for other patients who may need more urgent care and support in a hospital.
“We want to do whatever we can to make this winter better for all our patients and staff and are asking you to help, where you can and get as many of our patients home for Christmas as possible.”