Norfolk health leaders plea to get relatives home in time for Christmas
Health bosses are urging relatives of those in hospital well enough to go home to help get them out for Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, health bosses in Norfolk and Waveney are urging the relatives of people who are in hospital, and well enough to go home, to help get them out in time for the big day.
The local health and care partnership says hospitals across the area remain extremely busy.
They're asking relatives of people who are safe to be discharged from wards to help get people home where they are safer, can recover better, and enjoy time with their loved ones over the festive period.
It says in many cases people are ready to be discharged and well enough to leave hospital, but unfortunately cannot be let go due to a change in their circumstances with their health and care needs, such as mobility or receiving low level support to care for themselves while they recover.
It added while some people awaiting discharge from hospital have complex care needs, all of whom will have appropriate care put in place, others may benefit from simple support from family and friends.
The Norfolk and Waveney health and care system is reaching out once again to everyone who has supported the NHS over the last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling on friends, families and carers of individuals that are ready to leave hospital to support them on their recovery journey in time for them to join loved ones at Christmas.
Hospital teams, as well as social workers, are able to liaise with families, relatives and carers to ensure that appropriate support is in place whilst long-term options are considered.
Cath Byford, Chief Nurse, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The local health and care system is working flat out to care for some very sick patients. As a result of safe, effective, compassionate care, many people are able to be discharged from hospital, but due to a number of reasons, cannot go home as temporary arrangements and support may not be in place.
“Friends, families and carers of individuals ready to leave hospital can help get people home quicker. No-one wants to say in hospital longer than they need to so if you are a family member of friend and feel you can help, please speak with the nurse in charge.”
The Norfolk and Waveney health and care system is especially busy with staff redeployed to respond to the threat of Omicron and vaccination sites operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Health and care staff, volunteers and reservists are working tirelessly to help vaccinate as many people as possible before the end of the year in line with the Government’s target to offer everyone over 18 a booster jab by the end of the ear.
Over two million Covid vaccine doses have been given in the area since the start of the pandemic so far.
But everyone can continue to play their part in supporting health and care staff in different ways.
James Bullion, Executive Director of Adult Social Services, Norfolk County Council, said: “We are doing everything we can to help people we support get home after a stay in hospital.
“Most people can go home – whether that’s the family home, a care home or supported living setting. But some people need some further support for a few days, and if they can’t get this, then they are having to stay in hospital.
“So any families that can help in these circumstances will make a real difference in helping someone to come out of hospital in time for Christmas.”
People are also being reminded that they can help the NHS by ensuring they use the right service for their needs.