This winter has brought significant pressure to our local hospitals and we are seeing first-hand the impact on families across the West Midlands.
We have more than eleven years of experience working alongside NHS partners and we are stepping up once again to help relieve pressure on the system and support safe, timely discharges.
University Hospitals Birmingham, which runs Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth and Solihull hospitals, recently declared a critical incident due to severe strain on its emergency departments and wards.
High numbers of flu-related admissions and crowded A&E departments have created an increasingly difficult environment for both staff and patients.
We are already working closely with hospital teams to help clear beds and make sure patients can return home safely with the right care in place. But we want to do even more.
As part of our commitment to our community and the NHS, we are increasing capacity for urgent home care support, offering timely, high-quality care packages that allow patients to leave hospital sooner and recover in the comfort of their own homes.
“We recognise the immense challenges faced by the NHS, particularly during winter and we’re proud to be part of the solution,” says our Director, Samuel Court.
“We have worked closely with NHS partners for many years, supporting safe hospital discharges and helping patients rebuild independence at home. This winter, we’re ready to do more than ever.”
Our rapid response service means families can rely on us for a care assessment within twenty-four hours, with a carer in place within seven days. This ensures a smooth, well-planned transition from hospital to home, reducing the risk of delays or re-admissions.
“Our team is well-equipped to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of patients being discharged,” Samuel explains.
“By carrying out detailed assessments, we make sure the right level of support is in place straight away. Families can feel confident that their loved ones will be safe and supported as they recover.”
We know how hard NHS staff are working and we fully recognise the vital role they play, especially during the busiest months of the year. At the same time, the social care sector has an essential role in easing winter pressures by ensuring patients are discharged safely and have ongoing support at home.
“The social care sector is central to helping people leave hospital safely,” Samuel adds. “Close partnership with the NHS is key to managing winter pressures and making sure people can stay safe in their own homes.”
We encourage families to get involved early in the discharge planning process. Talking to hospital staff ahead of time helps make sure the right support is arranged and avoids unnecessary delays.
“We’re here to guide families through the process,” says Samuel. “By advocating early and planning carefully, families can ensure their loved ones leave hospital with the right care in place. Our rapid and reliable service is designed to support exactly that.”
If you have a loved one in hospital and need help arranging care, we are ready to support you.
