HSE South West press release: Protecting capacity at our acute hospitals by understanding your discharge options

Watch a video message for patients from the Director of Nursing at Mallow General Hospital

The HSE South West Winter public awareness campaign continues this week with a reminder that it’s more important than ever during winter months to protect capacity at acute hospitals in the region.

Every hour in a bed in an acute hospital is a precious resource, and HSE South West managers today reminded the public that it is important to understand all discharge options as soon as they are offered.

HSE South West IHA manager Priscilla Lynch said:

“We are asking everyone to work with our hardworking teams planning discharge and consider all your options. Patients will only be discharged from hospital to their home or to further care when it is medically appropriate to do so. Unfortunately, if there is a delay in supporting someone to move on from a hospital bed when the acute phase of their treatment is finished, it means that someone else could face a delay in accessing care.”

Ms Lynch added hospitals in the region have processes in place to keep patients moving through the system, and asked for all patients to work with the team when they are planning for your discharge.

“Our healthcare teams are working with patients and the public to make sure everyone gets the Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time, delivering on our SláinteCare objectives. The public can help by engaging with all options for discharge when they are offered.”

The options you might be offered when it is time to leave hospital:

• A transfer to another facility, such as Mallow General Hospital.
• A short-term placement in a Community Hospital. This is may be for rehabilitation or if someone requires a further short period of care that is not acute.
• A short-term placement in a nursing home.
• Community Intervention Team visits - this is when a person requires intravenous drugs but they can be administered in their home.

Ms Lynch added:

“There may be times when someone is offered an intermediate placement in the interests of a) providing them the most appropriate care and b) protecting the much-needed acute capacity in our hospitals. This may mean that you need to transfer to somewhere like Mallow General Hospital. We know that this may be unexpected, but it allows us to use the expertise of the wider HSE South West team to continue your care.”

Patricia Moloney, Director of Nursing at Mallow General Hospital said:

“Mallow General Hospital is a modern acute hospital. It’s ideal for patients who need ongoing treatment of their medical conditions. If you are in a Cork hospital and need a longer stay, you may be transferred to us to complete your care. We’ll make sure you receive excellent care in a warm, welcoming environment and feel comfortable throughout your stay. We’re be proud to be part of your healthcare journey.”