CRH Launches New Discharge Campaign

Getting patients home as soon as they are clinically ready to leave can be better for their wellbeing and recovery, so in partnership with Joined Up Care Derbyshire (JUCD), the hospital wants patients and their families to know ‘It’s Ok to Ask’ about when they might be ready to go home. 

Michelle Veitch, Chief Operating Officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We want patients to be involved in their own care and to help them feel in control. We know that people don’t want to be in hospital any longer than they need to be, so it is important to us to support them in getting home quickly and safely.

“Patients are not able to do the same level of activity and exercise they normally do at home, and we know that there are huge benefits to them being in their own environment and surrounded by the people and things they care about.”

The new Discharge campaign follows a text message format between a patient and their loved ones on subjects like, getting you home to your comfy slippers, or nothing better than a home cooked roast. It is aimed at patients and their families, encouraging them to support the discharge of their loved ones once they are clinically ready to go home.

“We’re always here for those who need us, but we also actively encourage people to ensure they are thinking about plans for their discharge as early as possible. This could mean ensuring that friends and family are able to support them a little more when they can return home and any adaptations are made to ensure that any additional needs are catered for.”

This campaign will run alongside other ‘It’s Ok to Ask’ campaigns – covering infection prevention and control subjects, such as hand washing and uniform guidance.

Dean Wallace, Executive Lead for Hospital Discharge across the Derby and Derbyshire Health and Care System, said: "We know that home is the best place for recovery once a patient is medically fit for discharge and if they have support at home, if they need it.

"During winter, when hospitals and our whole NHS system is always under increased pressure, it's also important to make the best use of bed space because there will always be other patients who need to be admitted. This communications campaign is an important part of our work across Derbyshire to manage winter pressures."

Although the campaign is focused on visitors and patients’ loved ones, patients can also help by following some easy steps:

• Setting an expected date for when they’ll be able to leave the hospital.
• Planning for transport home as soon as possible.
• Discussing any aids and adaptations they might need with their care teams.
• Ensuring the hospital’s checklist for discharge has been completed including the need for any prescription medicines being picked up.