11 January 2019

There's no place like home.

It is also best for our patients' health that they leave hospital as soon as they are well enough to do so.

As the winter months continue into the New Year we are asking our patients to play their part by being prepared to leave hospital when they are ready and asking their loved ones to support them.

If you are in hospital we will discuss your 'Estimated Date of Discharge' (EDD) with you and ask that you are prepared to leave hospital on this date. We will also encourage you to speak to your loved ones about ways they can help you to return home on the day of your discharge.

In some cases our teams may decide that you need extra support to help you recover from your hospital stay. This may mean that we ask you to consider:

  • Going home with a package of care designed to meet your needs and promote independence. For example, we may recommend aids to help you live independently in your own home such as a walker or grabber after a hip or knee replacement.
  • Temporarily getting extra support to regain your skills and independence through time in:
    • Waverley, our Transitional Care Facility in Galashiels
    • Garden View, our Assessment Facility in Tweedbank, so that we can more thoroughly assess your needs
    • a Community Hospital in Duns, Hawick, Kelso or Peebles so that your on-going medical and rehabilitation needs are met for a short time

If it is no longer safe for you to live in your own home, even with a package of care and support, a member of our care team will discuss the options and choices open to you. Whatever option is best for you - for instance living with a relative or friend, or moving to a care home - we will help you and your family to plan the move.

Robert McCulloch-Graham, Chief Officer Health & Social Care, said: "We work hard to ensure that every patient can leave hospital in a safe and timely manner when they are well enough to do so.

"Everybody is different, with individual needs and wishes but most of us will appreciate a friendly face and helping hand to welcome us home. This is all the more special when it comes from someone who is already close to us - be it a relative, friend or neighbour.

"That's why we are encouraging people to help their loved ones get ready to go home too. There are lots of little things you can do to make a big difference to your loved one's discharge. Maybe you could offer them a lift home; stock up their fridge with essentials; or simply put the kettle on when they arrive home. The best way to find out how you can help them is to ask."