Getting loved ones home | News and events

The local NHS is thanking family, friends, and carers for playing a key role over the festive season in supporting those who are medically ready to leave hospital, continue their recovery at home swiftly, and safely.   

However, the request doesn’t end in the new year. Health and care leaders continue to call on the community to play this important and valued role.  

Mandy Staples, Deputy Chief Nurse at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, part of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System, said: “By supporting loved ones who are ready and well enough to be discharged, more hospital bed spaces become available for those who need urgent or emergency care. 

“You don’t need to be related or a family member of those receiving care in hospital to help. Friends and neighbours can also work with the hospital teams caring for the person, to help them go home a few days early, providing they are well enough.” 

Through working with the hospital teams, the discharge process can become quicker and smoother. From providing some personal care to ensuring medication is up to date, the local NHS is recommending some simple steps to help loved ones settle back in at home, during that in initial time after leaving hospital.  

You can prepare the home of the person you care about by making sure their house is warm enough for them to return, and stocking up on essentials like food, and medicine. Please consider whether you can offer your loved one a car ride home or arrange their transport, and bring clean, comfortable clothing to the hospital so that they’ve got something ready to go when they’re fit to leave hospital. 

Please speak to your loved one and their hospital team about how you could help them to get back home when the time is right.