Published on: 21 December 2022
Herefordshire and Worcestershire health bosses are asking patients and families to ask questions about going home and help loved ones prepare for leaving hospital.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said:: “We know that most patients want to return home as soon as possible, especially at this time of year.
“Families can help by preparing loved ones for being able to return home as soon as they are able.
“Encourage family members in hospital to get dressed, get out of bed if safe to do so and get moving, can all help them get stronger and home from hospital sooner.
“We know that it’s much better for a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing to leave hospital as soon as they are medically ready to do so and it’s ok to ask when they can come home.
“If your relative is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do so as early as possible. This will help our teams and free up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted.
“We continue to work with our health and social care partners and ask our communities to help ease pressure on our hospitals, particularly assisting with the timely discharge of relatives.”
Emergency services remain open and people should continue to come forward as normal in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling 111. Pharmacies can offer over the counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies.
People are also reminded that it’s not too late to receive your season flu and Covid booster vaccinations to help stay well over winter.
