Dept Of Health Highlights Importance Of Timely Hospital Discharge

As demand for hospital beds increases over the winter months, a timely discharge is both good for you and other patients.

The is the message of the Department of Health in an effort to address the ongoing pressure on Northern Ireland's health service.

The Health and Social Care system needs the active support of those who are in hospital and their families to ensure that when you are medically fit to leave hospital you do so.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We want to ensure that the very sick patients who attend our Emergency Departments this winter do not have a lengthy wait and are able to be admitted and treated quickly. This can only happen if hospital patients and their families work with our staff to support the discharge process for those patients who have received their treatment and are medically fit. This will help us free up much needed beds for sick patients.

"This may mean accepting a temporary care home placement if a domiciliary care package is not immediately available or waiting at home, with family support until domiciliary care is sourced.

"It is important to remember that an extended stay in hospital for a patient who is well enough to leave isn't good for the hospital and isn't good for the patient. Staying in hospital when medically fit to leave can lead to complications such as further infections, muscle loss, risk of falls, low mood and confusion."

Health and social care staff will continue to do their best to provide hospital care to all those who need it.