Patients raise concerns over Hospital discharge

A national Health Watch report (which includes local insight from Sefton), highlights how patients are grateful to hard working Doctors, Nurses and  Care Staff  for continuing to deliver compassionate care in difficult circumstances. This work was supported by the British Red Cross. But an investigation into Hospital discharge processes shows the majority of patients (82%) surveyed nationally did not receive recommended follow up visits after discharge.

Patients felt unready to leave Hospital and missed out on vital follow up visits and assessments according to new Health Watch and British Red Cross research into Hospital discharge arrangements during the 1st 5 months of the Coronavirus Pandemic.  However, the investigation did also uncover a number of positives including increased collaboration between services and positive feedback from the public for Health Care Staff  working under pressure.

As part of this National Review, Health Watch Sefton carried out work to better understand the impact of emergency measures implemented earlier this year to free up beds for Covid19 patients.  Health Watch Sefton carried out 8 in depth interviews with key staff involved in the discharge process in the Sefton area, working as part of the Southport and Formby Health and Care system.  Alongside this, more than 500 patients and carers across England took part in a national survey which gathered people's experiences from late March to late August 2020.

Some of the key findings included:-

► 82% of respondents did not receive a follow up visit and assessment at home, 1 of the key recommendations of the policy.

► Some people felt their discharge was rushed, with around 1 in 5 (19%) feeling unprepared to leave Hospital.

► 35% of respondents and their carers did not get a contact for further advice, despite this being a recommendation.

► Overall patients and families were very positive about Health Care Staff , praising their efforts during such a difficult time.

Health Watch SeftonManager, Diane Blair, said:- "Being involved in this National Review was a challenge in terms of the number of in depth interviews we had to undertake in a short space of time, but in listening to the local experiences of professionals from a number of different perspectives we learnt a lot about how the system has been working and suggestions for how we could improve local services for the future. We spoke with Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Care Home managers, community providers, a social worker and a GP. "

As a result of the findings, recommendations from Health Watch and the British Red Cross were given to help manage a second wave of Covid19 Hospital admissions.

Sir Robert Francis QC, Chair of Health Watch England, said:- "In March, Hospitals were asked to discharge patients with little or no notice and the speed with which this took place was important but led to mistakes. We do not want to detract from the heroic efforts of those on the frontline, who often put themselves at great risk to care for their patients, but services and system leaders have now had more time to prepare. It's essential we learn from what people have shared with us about the impact a poorly handled discharge can have on them and their loved ones. Taking action now will not only reduce the risk to patients, but will also help improve the way people leave Hospital in the future."

Read the full report on the Health Watch Sefton website. To leave your anonymous feedback on local Hospital discharge call the Health Watch Sefton Team on:- 08002061304.

RENOWNED horticulturist Christine Walkden is to return to the Southport Flower Show, that takes place over 19 August to 22 August 2021, to share her gardening knowledge with visitors. The award winning TV and radio presenter, who is a firm favourite at Southport, will be at the show on Thursday, 19 August 2021. Originally from Lancashire, Christine started growing vegetables on an allotment near her home when she was just 10 years old. Her 1st job after leaving School was in the gardens of her local park and she progressed through a series of posts including a spell at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew before she brought her infectious enthusiasm and passion for plants to wider audiences as a broadcaster and lecturer. She said:- "Southport Flower Show always gives pleasure and interest to gardeners as there is so much to see and do. Great plants and gardens plus lots of entertainment too. It's a good day out for all and I consider the show to be the Chelsea of the North."

Christine is the resident gardening expert on BBCThe One Showand is also a panel member of BBC Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time. She has presented BBC's Gardeners World and her own BBC2 TV series Christine's Garden, and Glorious Gardens From Above. She has also appeared on BBC Breakfast and The Paul O'Grady Show as well as appearing as a guest on the comedy quiz show Shooting Stars. General Manager Alan Adams said:- "We're delighted Christine will be joining us again this year as she's hugely popular with visitors and is so knowledgeable on all things horticultural. We are working harder than ever to deliver this year's show and will be adhering to the Government guidelines to deliver a Covid secure event."

Also joining us is Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek. After he wowed the crowds with his Weird and Wacky Plant Show in 2019, Mr Plant Geek himself returns to this summer's show to take you on an amazing journey into Weird and Wacky Plants: The Forbidden World!

The resident QVC and This Morning garden expert grew up following his grandparents around their greenhouse as they reared exhibition quality Chrysanthemums and Dahlias. This Sowed the seed for a desire to cultivate his own plants, and eventually extended to his parents' garden, where he started growing his 1st flowers. He will be with us, on Friday, 20 August 2021 and Saturday, 21 August 2021; prepare to be bemused and intrigued!

Visitors can enjoy stunning show gardens, floral displays, a unique shopping experience, fabulous entertainment, music plus fantastic fun, crafts and entertainment for the children. Tickets are currently priced ₤19.50. The tickets are flexible and can be used on any 1 of the show days. This is a ₤6.50 saving per ticket compared to the gate price of ₤26. Children under 16 go free with a paying adult.