Support our hospitals by helping get loved ones home for Christmas

Here at OUH we are preparing for the busy festive season by asking friends and family of patients who are well enough to leave hospital to support their loved one’s journey home or to their place of care.

The Christmas and New Year period is a really busy time in our hospitals, and sometimes patients who are medically well enough to be discharged are unable to do so because they have no way of getting home or their current living environment is not ready for their return.

Family members and friends can help avoid unnecessary delays by collecting their loved ones  from hospital, collecting prescriptions, ensuring the patient’s home is warm, and that their cupboards are stocked with staple food items.

These simple steps support our staff by freeing up valuable bed space for new patients, many of whom will need urgent or emergency care. 

Felicity Taylor-Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "Nobody wants to stay in hospital longer than necessary, particularly at Christmas, when they could be back home and spending time with family and friends.

"We know that being at home can really help patients with their recovery and wellbeing. So, if there is a loved one in hospital who is well enough to be discharged, please speak to ward staff to learn how family members can support their continued recovery at home.

"By getting those patients who are well enough to leave us back home, we are freeing up beds for those people who need urgent or emergency care."

As is the case at any time of year, people are asked not to enter hospital buildings, even if it is to collect a loved one, when feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of easily spreadable winter conditions, such as flu, norovirus or COVID-19.

Checking in on friends, relatives and neighbours regularly during the first few days of them being back at home, as well asking if there is anything further they need, can also support their longer term recovery.

Those who are providing support by arranging and collecting prescriptions are advised that many pharmacies will be operating under amended opening hours during the festive period. 

Details of which pharmacies are open and when are on the NHS website.

NHS England — South East » Pharmacy information

Thank you for your support.