Hospital in plea for families to take patients home for Christmas

22nd December 2022

Southport Hospital are asking families of poorly loved ones to do all they can to help them ease the strain on their resources.

The Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust have launched a ‘Ho Ho Home’ campaign which calls on the relatives of those who are sick in hospital to further their minor medical care needs at home.

The scheme is for patients who are on the road to recovery and awaiting discharge, but may need extra care to aid their recovery.

Speaking about the campaign, Lesley Neary, Chief Operating Officer at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust said: “We are working extremely closely with colleagues across the wider health and social care system to ensure we work effectively together to mitigate any potential delays to discharges and the aim of being ‘Home for Christmas’ for our patients.

“Nobody wants to spend longer in hospital than they need to, not least around the festive period, and we know that our patients recover faster if they are in their own homes in a more comfortable and familiar setting.

“If you have a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home, but is waiting to be discharged with home care and community health support, you may be able to help them to get home more quickly if you and your family are in a position to support them at home and we would ask people to speak to the ward manager or nurse in charge if this is something they can help with.’’