Plea to Cornwall to help tackle bed blocking as hospitals face unprecedented demand
Almost 300 people are waiting for their care package to be arranged so they can leave hospital
Last updated 13th Oct 2021
A plea has gone out to Cornwall to help tackle bed blocking at our hospitals.
Relatives and carers are being urged to collect their loved ones from hospital as soon as they’re called so the bed can be given to someone else who needs it.
The plea has been made as health and care services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly continue to see unprecedented demand.
The reasons for the pressures include the ongoing impact of Covid-19, pressure on staffing, and the needs for social care exceeding the available capacity to provide care for people away from hospital.
On Tuesday (12th October) 284 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are waiting for their care package to be arranged.
Staff from all organisations are working hard to see and treat people, including those who are ready to leave hospital.
Help is available to support people, including a one-off discharge support grant of up to ÂŁ1, 200 for anyone who is ready to leave hospital but needs a bit of extra care and support to return home. The money can be spent on paying for someone to help with their washing, cleaning, and shopping, or buying equipment to help people retain their independence and avoid being readmitted to hospital.
Speaking on behalf of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s health and care system Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust’s medical director Dr Allister Grant: “Please pick up friends or relatives as soon as we ask you to collect them. We know people are busy with work, childcare, or other commitments, and it may not be convenient to collect their loved one from hospital when we call, but the quicker we can get someone home, the quicker we can give the bed to another person who really needs it.
“Please also continue to use the appropriate service, and to only call 999 or visit the emergency department if you have a genuine life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack, suspected stroke, heavy bleeding, are unconscious, or having breathing difficulties.
“Please call your GP if you need urgent health advice, or NHS 111 when the surgery is closed and it cannot wait until it reopens. NHS 111 can also help if you think you need to visit a minor injury unit to treat broken bones, burns and bites. Thank you for helping us to help you.”
There are other ways people can support services.
These include:
Using your pharmacist for minor conditions such as coughs, colds, water infections, ear ache and rashes.
Using NHS 111 – online or by phone if you need advice or medical treatment quickly and can’t wait to see your GP. A trained advisor can also recommend you visit a minor injury unit.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Have both jabs and your booster if you are eligible
Staying away from hospitals if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or diarrhoea and vomiting