NHS and Council leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are today (12 November) urging people to support stretched services as local coronavirus cases rise – by looking out for vulnerable loved ones, and being ready to collect relatives from hospital as soon as they are medically well enough to leave.
Local health and care leaders say that extra help to avoid hospital admissions and get people home, or to another community setting, sooner could make a big difference – for those receiving care and services facing pressure.
Cathy Daffada, one of three Access and Flow Leads for Sirona care & health, whose role is focused on supporting people to leave hospital as soon as they are safe to do so, said:
“The rising number of coronavirus cases locally, combined with the onset of the usual winter pressures, means our hospitals and community services are stretched.
“While we have strong processes in place to manage the increase in demand, we’re calling on the public to help too.
“There’s an exceptionally strong community spirit in our area. People have been doing a phenomenal job throughout the pandemic in looking out for neighbours, relatives, and the frail and elderly.
“As we see a resurgence of coronavirus, we’re asking people to keep this going. Check on what clinically vulnerable relatives might need to stay well at home, and be ready to collect your loved ones from hospital as soon as they are medically fit to leave.
“In many cases, your best bed is your own in terms of recovery and retaining independence. It’s more important than ever that our hospital beds are available for those who really need them.”
Healthier Together – the partnership representing 10 organisations across BNSSG, including NHS Trusts and local authorities – recently put a range of additional measures in place to alleviate pressure on health and care services, including restarting a telephone support service to reduce hospital admissions and additional support for care homes.
A new communications campaign will launch across the area’s health and care settings this week, reminding family and friends of what they can do to support their loved ones and local services.