Call to help loved ones leaving hospital

Rutherglen people are being asked to help if a loved one, friend or someone they care for has recently been discharged from hospital.

South Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership (SLHSCP) is working to ensure patients whose discharge has been delayed are able to leave its hospitals as soon as medically fit to do so.

This move is designed to minimise their potential exposure to Coronavirus. It will also help create vital extra capacity to help accommodate people requiring intensive care treatment.

The call comes as coronavirus is presenting Care at Home services with significant capacity challenges.

Families and carers of those currently in receipt of home care are also being asked to help.

Val de Souza, chief officer, SLHSCP, said:“Our partnership with people in communities is crucial, as unprecedented demand on our workforce becomes pronounced.

“To help us reduce this strain and focus on the most medically unwell, we are asking for the public’s help, for family, carers and friends of someone in need of care at home to help out where possible and safe to do so.

“We are prioritising Care at Home services for the most vulnerable on their discharge from hospital and those with existing packages of care.

“We are therefore asking people to be mindful you may now be contacted by our staff and asked to care for a family member or friend. If you are approached I’d urge you to think about how you can help using a common sense approach.

“It’s clear we face a challenge which we have not seen in our lifetimes. Our overriding objective is protecting and saving lives. We’re hugely grateful for the support of communities, working together with us.”

To safely help loved ones, relatives and friends should make sure they are well before lending assistance, especially to an older person. They should self-isolate if they experience any symptoms of coronavirus.

They should also consider others in their family or neighbourhood network who could offer help.

Anyone who is in receipt of Care at Home services should phone a member of the care team immediately if they experience symptoms.

We’re grateful for the support of communities working together with us