Families urged to help loved ones home as winter pressures hit early at the Countess of Chester Hospital
Families are being urged to help loved ones return home from hospital and home in time for Christmas. As winter pressures hit early across England, The Countess of Chester Hospital is experiencing record demand for hospital care and this has coincided with the seasonal rise in flu cases, creating extra strain on services. Last week saw the busiest day of the year at the hospital, and November had the highest-ever Emergency Department (A&E) attendances, yet around one in five patients are currently medically fit to leave hospital but are still waiting to go home.
Chris Owen, Associate Director of Operations, who coordinates getting patients home at the Countess of Chester Hospital, explains: “When someone is ready to leave hospital, there can still be practical barriers. For some, it’s about arranging care packages or confirming a permanent address. For others, the only barrier is getting their home ready – heating hasn’t been checked, adaptations are yet to be made around the home, or there’s no food in the cupboard. These delays mean people who could be recovering in familiar surroundings are still in hospital, while others wait in A&E for a hospital bed.
“Hospital is the right place when you need treatment but staying longer than necessary can slow or hinder recovery. Every extra day in a hospital bed can lead to muscle weakness and loss of independence. At home, patients regain confidence and mobility far more quickly than on a ward. Getting up, dressed and moving is one of the best things you can do for your health.”
The Countess of Chester Hospital is asking families to think ahead and prepare for discharge. If your loved one has a home to return to, make sure it’s warm, safe and ready:
- Adapt their home to make it safer and easier to navigate
- Check the heating
- Stock up on food and medicines
- Be there to welcome them back.
These simple steps could mean the difference between spending Christmas in hospital or at home – and help free up beds for those who need them.
Local health partners, including Cheshire West and Chester Council and NHS organisations, are also reminding residents to take steps to stay well. Vaccinations, pharmacy advice and free health checks can help prevent illness and ease pressure on hospitals. For practical tips and details of local services, visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news/top-tips-for-winter-wellness-in-cheshire-west-and-chester
Cathy Chadwick, Chief Operating Officer at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: Winter pressures have arrived earlier than expected – we’ve planned for this and are doing everything we can to make space for the growing number of patients who need urgent care.
“Many people are ready to leave hospital but can’t because the right arrangements aren’t in place yet. By preparing homes for loved ones who are ready to leave, you not only support their recovery but help us free up hospital beds for those who need them most.
“We have dedicated teams working with families and social care partners to plan safe discharges. If you’re not sure what needs to happen, please speak to the ward team – the sooner we can make those plans together, the sooner your loved one can get home safely.
“Although we’re exceptionally busy, we’re here for anyone who needs emergency care. Please only come to A&E in an emergency – for anything else, use NHS 111 online or by phone for advice or consider other local services such as your pharmacy or GP.”
To help speed up safe discharges, the Countess of Chester Hospital works closely with community partners through the Community Home First initiative. This includes Cheshire Community Action, Snow Angels, Age UK Cheshire and Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust. Together, these teams support patients and families by tackling practical barriers – from arranging care packages and home adaptations to providing check-ins, shopping and prescription drop-offs after discharge. If you’re unsure what support is available, please speak to your ward team so we can make plans as early as possible and help your loved one return home safely.
Cathy added: “Our teams are working incredibly hard in challenging circumstances to care for patients safely. Please continue to show respect and courtesy when you come to our hospital – it makes a real difference and is what everyone deserves when they come to work.”