Hospital aims to get patients home for lunch

YEOVIL District Hospital is doing everything it can to improve the experience of patients when they are admitted to and discharged from the hospital.
 
Those being discharged will be able to go home earlier in the day which will free up beds for those waiting to be admitted to ensure that they receive the appropriate care as soon as possible.
 
A group of staff have been working on a project to get patients home for lunch and last week they were promiting  initiatives in the main hospital entrance and around the wards.
 
Patients and their families are now given the date that they are likely to be sent home either on or before admission so that they can prepare for the discharge. If patients need to wait for transport home they are taken to the discharge lounge in the Queensway Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit which is open between 9am and 5pm on weekdays where sandwiches, hot meals and drinks are provided.
 
Some patients need to be transferred to community hospitals if they need further support. However  they and their families are being made aware that they will be sent to the first available community bed, within reason,  which may not be the closest to their home  - although if a number of beds are free they will be able to go to the one closest to their home.
 
Director of operations, Jonathan Higman, said: “By working in partnership with the patients and, with the support of their family and carers and community services, we will be able to provide a better experience for both patients waiting for discharge and those awaiting admission to a bed.”

More information about discharges is available from the PALS Officer on 01935 384706 or email pals@ydh.nhs.uk

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