People currently in hospital across Swindon and Wiltshire, but well enough to leave, need the help and support of their families to get home for Christmas.
That is the message coming from the region’s acute hospitals, where many patients’ discharges are often delayed due to them not having any way of getting home, or their currently living environment not being ready for their return.
Families can help avoid these unnecessary delays by being available for lifts home from hospital, collecting their family member’s prescription, ensuring their home is heated and stocking their cupboard with staple food items.
These simple steps will support the Great Western Hospital in Swindon to free up valuable bed space for new patients, many of whom will be in need of urgent or emergency care.
Lisa Cheek, Chief Nurse, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that hospital is not always the best place for people, and we want to get people back to their own homes as quickly as possible, because recovery is aided by homely surroundings and personal comforts.
“Any delays in discharging patients means we are not able to give a bed to our sickest patients who are waiting to be seen.
“We also know that the next few weeks are a time for celebration and we wouldn’t want any patients to have to stay in hospital for longer than necessary.
“Families, friends and carers are encouraged to be involved in early discussions with our staff around the patient’s recovery, and any ongoing care needs, so that arrangements can be made at the earliest opportunity.”
