NHS staff answered the highest number of 999 calls for any November on record, an average of around one every three seconds. New weekly data shows that, on average, there were 10,500 patients each day last week who no longer needed to be in hospital but were not discharged that day, with pressures outside hospitals also high. This means that more than one in 10 beds were occupied by patients who were medically fit to leave.
NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: ‘These figures show that NHS staff are continuing to address the Covid backlog in the face of sustained pressure on urgent and emergency care.’
In November, the statistics show that 1 in 10 beds was occupied by people fit to leave the hospital is staggering. In addition to the challenges of meeting acute health needs, this also continues to underscore the interdependent nature of health and social care. Some of the pressures felt by hospitals can be best addressed by the work based in the community.’
‘Many patients were occupying beds are doing so due to waiting for care arrangements to be put in place to enable them to live safely in a home environment. The vital work undertaken by occupational therapists, carers and community equipment service providers must be recognised among the solutions to meet these pressures.’
‘Everyone contributing faces their challenges due to the impacts of the global pandemic and Brexit. Ross Care conducts the issuing of a range of vital equipment on behalf of local authorities, such as hospital-style beds and walking frames. Through this period, we have witnessed real volatility in the supply chain for this little spoken about equipment, but which is so heavily relied on by so many.’
‘One of the ways we have addressed this is to raise awareness of equipment recycling for reuse. We continue to urge people who may have items such as crutches, commode chairs, or hoists sitting in their homes not being used to contact their local provider or council to arrange its collection.’
‘Furthermore, social care plays a large role in preventing people from needing to enter hospitals in the first place, such as through falls prevention or adaptations to the home. I would also urge people to be proactive in seeking out the help available to them, even if they are at a very early stage of need.’
‘People don’t only need to look at statuary-provided services; a vast array of daily living equipment is available to buy that can significantly impact individuals’ independence and safety. As well as searching online, local mobility shops are often well-stocked with solutions and increasingly provide occupational therapists support within their offer.’
