As the year draws to a close and the holiday break approaches, NHS leaders across the North West are urging the public to help get their loved ones home for Christmas.

As the cold season starts and winter viruses flourish, the NHS will be under increased pressure, with more patients coming into hospital sick and space urgently needed to treat them.

Hospitals across the country struggle throughout the year with patients who are clinically ready to be discharged from hospital sometimes meaning other people wait longer for an emergency admission and a bed to become available.

Never is this more of a challenge for the NHS than over the Christmas and New Year period, when those beds are vital to treat the sickest people, and NHS England North West’s Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards, Dr Gareth Wallis is urging family members to do everything they can to get their loved ones home in time for Christmas this year.

“Our NHS staff are already working harder than ever to treat the sickest patients many of whom require time in hospital for treatment for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other seasonal sicknesses,” he said.

“At the same time, it is always the case at this time of year that the NHS is caring for high numbers of patients who are actually ready to go home and spend the Christmas break with their families.

“Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some but once you have had the care that you need in hospital, research shows that going home will help you get better much faster.

“The longer people stay in a hospital bed, the harder they may find it to get up and about as you get better. So, it’s really important that we work with families and patients to get them home when it is safe to do so.

He added: “If you have a loved one or family member in hospital, help us get them home this Christmas if they are well enough to leave hospital.

“The benefits of continuing recovery at home, where patients are in a more familiar and relaxed environment, are huge, especially with the love and support of their loved ones.”

NHS staff across the North West are working closely with patients to plan for them to leave hospital safely where they are medically fit to do so, making space on hospital wards to care for the growing number of people waiting to be admitted, either in an emergency or for a planned operation.

Patients can help prepare for going home by staying as active as possible while they are in hospital – this will also help people get better faster and reduces the chance of problems when they go home.

Other top tips for families and friends bringing someone home from hospital include:

1. Make sure they have their prescription medicines available or help by picking them up before the festive period, or before bad weather hits.
2. If your loved one needs help while GP practices or pharmacies are closed, NHS 111 is here for them, visit 111.nhs.uk for advice on what to do and where to go. A little care can go a long way.
3. Ensure they have sufficient amounts to eat and drink.
4. Make sure there are no trip hazards to prevent falls.
5. If your loved one needs to go out then ensure they have sturdy shoes with a good grip. A scarf around the mouth will help to protect them from the cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.