Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL) is asking local people to help NHS services this winter by choosing the right care for their needs and supporting loved ones to leave hospital when they are well enough to go home.
As part of its Right Care, Right Place campaign, the Trust is encouraging people to consider the range of NHS services available to them and only use hospital emergency departments for serious and life-threatening conditions.
A new campaign film also highlights how everyone can play their part this winter, from choosing the most appropriate NHS service when they need care to supporting loved ones to return home when they are ready to leave hospital.
Watch the Right Care, Right Place campaign film here:
Families and carers can also make an important difference when someone is in hospital by getting involved in conversations about discharge early and helping with practical arrangements so their loved one can return home safely and without unnecessary delays.
This could include arranging transport, bringing suitable clothes, making sure the patient can access their home and helping to ensure essentials such as heating and food are in place.
Professor Sarah O’Brien, Chief Nurse at MWL, said:
“For someone over 80, just 10 days of bed rest can lead to the equivalent of 10 years of muscle ageing, so getting home safely can make a real difference to recovery. No one should remain in hospital for longer than they need to. Our teams work closely with patients, families and carers to plan ahead and make any practical arrangements needed.
Every patient is different, and some will need additional care or support. Our priority will always be to make sure they can leave hospital safely and at the right time.”
People are also being encouraged to consider the most appropriate NHS service when they need care and to use NHS 111 if they are unsure where to go.
By choosing the right service and supporting patients to leave hospital when they are ready, local people can help NHS teams care for those who need them most throughout the winter.