Recent news shared by The Independent highlights unprecedented winter pressures on our NHS, with four major hospitals declaring critical incidents, including Royal Liverpool Hospital.
Winter is always a difficult time for the health and social care sector, and NHS Confederation Chief Executive Matthew Taylor has warned that the NHS is in a "position of national vulnerability.” With hospitals seeing increasing winter pressures, Home Care services play a crucial role in supporting the health and social care system during these challenging times.
- Over 5,000 hospital flu cases, with numbers rising
- Multiple hospitals declaring critical incidents
- 100% bed occupancy in many trusts
- High levels of staff absence
- Difficulties with patient discharge
- Increased demand on emergency services
The Role of Home Care in Winter Pressures
The Role of Home Care in Winter Pressures
Professional Home Care services play a vital part in supporting the health and social care care system through two main approaches: preventing hospital admissions and supporting safe discharge.
Preventing Avoidable Hospital Admissions
Preventing Avoidable Hospital Admissions
Home Care teams help reduce pressure on emergency services through:
Early Detection
- Regular health monitoring identifies potential issues before they become emergencies
- Professional assessment helps spot deteriorating conditions
- Swift communication with GPs and community teams enables early intervention
Winter Health Support
- Regular monitoring of respiratory symptoms
- Ensuring homes maintain appropriate temperatures
- Supporting good nutrition and hydration
- Helping with prescribed medication
- Maintaining mobility to prevent falls
Supporting Hospital Discharge
Supporting Hospital Discharge
Discharge Support
- Care packages that start quickly when needed
- Support with recovery and rehabilitation
- Regular monitoring of progress
- Coordination with community health and social care teams
Ongoing Care
- Regular reviews as needs change
- Support with medication management
- Help maintaining independence
- Continued health monitoring
How Home Care Benefits the Health and Social Care System
How Home Care Benefits the Health and Social Care System
Professional Home Care services help address several key challenges identified by NHS leaders:
Reducing Hospital Pressures
- Fewer avoidable emergency admissions
- More available hospital beds through timely discharge
- Reduced strain on A&E departments
- Support for people with long-term conditions
Supporting Community Care
- Care delivered in people's homes
- Regular health monitoring
- Early intervention when needed
- Coordination with local health and social care services
Working Within the Health and Social Care Network
Working Within the Health and Social Care Network
Home Care providers work as part of the wider health and social care system by:
The Impact of Professional Home Care
The Impact of Professional Home Care
As NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor notes, "the next two to three weeks will likely be the busiest period of the year for many local services." During this time, Home Care services help by:
As winter pressures continue, professional Home Care remains an essential part of the health and social care system's response. Through preventing hospital admissions and supporting discharge, Home Care services help ensure people receive appropriate care while reducing pressure on acute services.
Local Impact
Local Impact
One of the four hospitals to have declared a critical incident this winter is Royal Liverpool Hospital, due to "exceptionally high demand on services in the Emergency Department and patients being admitted to the wards".
Routes Healthcare's established presence in these areas with Local Services Hubs in both Merseyside and on the Wirral, means our Home Care services are able to offer support:
With Local Service Hubs also delivering Home Care across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and the North East - we’re able to provide Home Care support to many vulnerable people who want to remain at home safely. You can find out more about our Home Care services and how we can help here.
