Health and care leaders thank local people for their support during the hot weather

Health and care leaders across Suffolk and north east Essex have thanked local people for their support during this week’s hot weather.

They say some families or friends with a loved one in hospital have supported services by helping with preparations so that, when they were well enough to be discharged, homes were ready and arrangements in place.

This led to a smooth transition for the patient.

Clinicians say they would strongly appreciate this continued support as the health and social care system across the region continues to experience high demand on services and a shortage of beds.

Dr Andrew Kelso, Medical Director at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, said: “The support we receive from families of patients is always appreciated.

“Our services are under significant pressure at the moment and we would kindly ask if families and friends could continue to support with patient discharge and keeping people well at home– doing so would really help us.

“By support we mean making sure their home is ready, their bedroom is properly made up, they have enough food in their fridge to keep them healthy and that they can be properly looked after and very occasionally bridging a short gap between discharge and care starting.

“Helping us in this way will mean the chances of a safe, effective and swifter discharge home is much more likely to happen.”

Dr Kelso added: “There are some people in hospital beds at the moment who are medically fit to be discharged.

“However due to the demands on our services, it is taking much longer for this to happen.

“By helping us and taking your loved one, relative or friend home to a safe place when they are medically fit would, most importantly, allow them to return to their normal surroundings.

“No patient would be sent home until any treatment that required inpatient care had been completed.”

This week, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex launched its seasonal summer campaign urging people to choose the right service for their health needs.

It highlights how anyone feeling physically unwell and not sure what to do can call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online for urgent help and advice, and anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and choose option 2, anytime of the day or night.

People are urged not to call 999 or go to A&E unless someone has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

There are 62 community pharmacies in north east Essex and 134 in east and west Suffolk.

The campaign reminds people that pharmacies are one of the most easily accessible sources of general health advice and treatment including common summer health issues like sunburn, hay fever, insect bites and stings, cuts, grazes and stomach upsets.

You can find your local pharmacy here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy