The NHS is calling on friends, families and carers of relatives who are ready and safe to be discharged from hospital to lend a helping hand in getting them out of hospital and back home in time for Christmas.
The call comes as local health and social care services face increasing pressure with high levels of demand.
“We are asking friends, family and carers of individuals in hospital to help us help them get home for Christmas. If you are able to offer temporary support, please make contact with the nurse in charge of your loved-one’s care.
“No one likes being in hospital and we know that recovery is better and speedier at home. So, I urge anyone who could offer support to a loved one who is well enough to go home to come forward – they’ll not only be helping that patient on the road to recovery, they’ll also be giving a big boost to the staff at our local hospitals, meaning they can focus all their efforts on the very sickest patients who need their care.
“We want to reassure everyone that the NHS is open, staff are working tirelessly, and anyone needing life threatening help must always come forward. We have to prioritise urgent care, so people may have to wait longer than any of us would like for less urgent issues, and that could include longer waits in emergency departments or for an ambulance.”
Dr Ronan Fenton, Medical Director for Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System
“Surely we all want our relatives to be home with us this Christmas providing it is safe for them to be there. So focusing on working together across all health and social care partners doesn’t just relieve pressures on hospital occupancy, it gives the chance for more families to be complete.
“We will continue to work with all partners to identify what support will enable hospital discharge every day, but especially at this time, to work with relatives to see if we can put necessary additional support in place.”
Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Essex County Council, Cllr John Spence said
“People leaving hospital can be among the most vulnerable and unwell in the community and we want to be sure they are supported with decent good quality care, so they can make a full recovery.
“We are continuing to work closely with local NHS services and care providers, including care homes, to support people to leave hospital. We all know that being at home with the right support is the best option for most people and Southend-on-Sea City Council has jointly invested around £1m with the NHS in an enhanced discharge team that is supporting people to get home and remain at home.”
Cllr Kay Mitchell, cabinet member for adult social care and health
As the weather becomes colder, there are more chances of people becoming ill.
Please visit EssexDoYourBit.nhs.uk for information on how you can keep yourself and loved ones well this winter and ensure you receive the right care in the right place, in a timely and safe way.
All communities are also urged to protect themselves, their families and the NHS by having COVID boosters and flu jabs if they are eligible.
Many ailments and illnesses can be treated at home such as coughs and colds, sore throats and minor cuts and grazes. Please visit nhs.uk for a useful health A-Z on nhs.uk with a complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.
Local pharmacies can also help with minor health problems or advice. Pharmacists are also trained medical professionals who can advise on the best treatment for common heath conditions. Providing you do not have symptoms of coronavirus, you can walk in without an appointment.
Please note in this area of Essex, both the hospital trust and our ambulance service will not be impacted by strike action.
Find a pharmacy Visit EssexDoYourBit.nhs.uk for more information on how people can stay well this winter.