Winter hospital pressures: Minister highlights importance of safe, timely discharge

The Health Minister has urged the public to support timely discharge from hospital as part of wider efforts to protect Health and Social Care (HSC) services during the winter months, when seasonal illness places increased strain on already stretched services.

During a visit to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt saw first-hand the level of pressure facing hospital staff as admissions rise over winter.

The visit included the Belfast Trust’s Discharge and Social Work Hub, a dedicated service designed to help patients return home safely and efficiently following a hospital stay.

The Hub brings together a multi-disciplinary team to ensure discharge decisions are safe, effective and compassionate, while also freeing up much-needed hospital beds for patients requiring urgent care.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister praised staff working to support patients at a critical time of year. He said:

“I was delighted to visit the Hub at the Royal Victoria Hospital, to see the excellent work they are doing to support the timely discharge of patients. During winter, pressure is added to our already stretched hospital services due to seasonal illnesses, and we all need to do our bit to help.”

Mr Nesbitt stressed that delays in discharge can have serious consequences not only for the health service, but also for patients and families waiting for treatment. He added:

“We want to ensure we have hospital beds ready for those who require them as quickly as possible. Nobody wants a family member or loved one to spend lengthy periods waiting for a hospital bed, especially

in the run up to Christmas. Unfortunately, if beds are not available, this is the reality.”

The Minister also warned that remaining in hospital longer than medically necessary can increase health risks for patients.

“Staying in hospital longer than you need to can also lead to other health complications, such as hospital acquired infections. Timely discharge is better for patients and our hospitals.”

The Belfast Trust echoed these concerns, highlighting the importance of maintaining good patient flow through hospitals.

Colin McMullan, Interim Director for Adult Community, Older People’s Services and Allied Health Professionals, said pressure on beds remained significant.

“There is huge pressure on our beds, so it is really important that we have a good discharge flow. Our multi-disciplinary team, which includes social workers, pharmacy, occupational therapists and a physiotherapist, play a vital part in ensuring that people are going home at the right time, with the right support.”

He also emphasised the particular risks faced by older patients who remain in hospital longer than necessary.

“We know that with older people, long hospital days increases the risk of deconditioning, so we really want to get them back home safely as quickly as possible once their acute medical need has been addressed.”

Reassuring the public, the Minister underlined that the HSC system is continuing to prepare for winter demand and that urgent care remains available to those who need it. He said:

“Health and social care staff will continue to do their best to provide care to all those who need it. Even though our hospitals are under pressure, it is vital that anyone who requires urgent care seeks and receives it.”

For patients who are medically ready to leave hospital but require support at home that is not immediately available, a range of interim options may be offered. These can include direct payments, returning home with help from family or friends, or a temporary placement in a care home.

While such arrangements may cause short-term inconvenience, the Department has stressed that local HSC Trusts will continue working to secure care solutions that best meet each individual’s assessed needs.

To further support capacity within the system, Trusts will continue to review home care packages through Early Review Teams. These reviews assess whether support remains appropriate to need, which can result in packages being reduced or increased.

The process helps release capacity back into the system, with each hour freed up allowing support to be provided to someone else in need.