THE Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is appealing for patients to be collected immediately they are fit to be discharged.

And because the hospital and emergency department are “over full”, the PHU – which covers Gosport and Fareham – has declared a critical incident to protect patient safety.

According to a statement released today, Thursday, December 29: “Demand for emergency and urgent care is far outstripping the capacity available in Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire.

It adds: “We are calling on the local community to help this situation by taking your relatives or friends home from the hospital as soon as they are declared ready to leave.”

Dr John Knighton, Medical Director at PHU, said: “As soon as a person is medically ready to leave hospital, they should be discharged to their place of residence.

“Every time one patient leaves hospital it helps a further four patients move through the hospital to ensure they get the care they need in a timely way. This means the emergency department is free for those that need lifesaving care, and ambulances are able to quickly return to the community to provide emergency support to people.”

Recovery

Friends and family play a key role in helping get patients home where their recovery can continue more quickly in familiar surroundings.

The PHU statement urges: “Please speak to the team of healthcare professionals on the wards about how you can help and if you can support discharge a few days earlier.

“It is best if you can collect your loved ones and not rely on the hospital to organise patient transport, this can reduce delays, and be a better experience for your relative or friend. Every day matters and you will be helping us care for people that still require our care.

Chief Nurse Liz Rix added: “We know that the longer a patient stays in hospital the greater the risk of deconditioning where immobility and inactivity causes muscle weakness, walking difficulty and an increased risk of falls and injury.

“At a time when our services are really stretched the extra support patients receive from those closest to them can really help with their recovery and returning to good health and independence. Just making sure your relative or friend is home safe, will not only help them recover but help us to care for another Portsmouth person who needs a hospital bed.”

Further information can be found on the PHU website: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/ready-to-go.htm