This winter, like many before, bed-blocking is causing some real problems for our NHS
hospitals. Essentially it’s caused when patients who are fit and well enough to be discharged
end up staying in hospital much longer than needed.
This could be because a patient needs more support to live independently following their
spell in hospital – whether that’s arranging regular carer visits or making mobility adjustments
to their home (like stairlifts or emergency call buttons). On the other hand, for many older
patients, it’s because they can no longer live alone and until suitable accommodation is
found the hospital cannot safely discharge them.
In June 2023, an average of 12,334 hospital beds were occupied by people ready to be
discharged in England alone. More recently the Isle of Wight NHS Trust declared a critical
incident as all their wards and emergency departments were full, with staff urging families to
make arrangements for their fit and well relatives to be discharged as soon as possible.
It’s by making speedy arrangements like this that we can all help ease the pressure on our
wonderful local hospitals, allowing paramedics to move onto new emergency calls quicker
and preventing any patient from having to wait for treatment in a hospital corridor. Thankfully
Gorselands Nursing Home has often been able to help, for example, providing a new home
for patients from Southampton General Hospital, and supporting their families through the
discharge process. Sometimes the thought of returning to a cold, empty house is something
that holds older patients back from leaving hospital but care homes like ours, in the tranquil
New Forest, instead offer a safe, warm and welcoming environment, with plenty of
opportunities to socialise and stay active.
If you have any questions about our care services or want to ask how we can help discharge
your relative, you can call us on 01425 402 316 or send us an email at
info@gorselandsnursinghome.co.uk
