NHS Dumfries and Galloway makes fresh plea for help to free up hospital beds

Regional health board chief Jeff Ace has made a fresh plea for help to free up hospital beds.

He is asking people to provide assistance in caring for those currently stuck in NHS sites after their treatment has ended.

Mr Ace said: “The last few days have been exceptionally difficult for hospital and community services across Dumfries and Galloway.

“Due to continued high admissions and ongoing difficulties with discharge home, all of our sites are operating beyond capacity and staff are trying to manage far more patients than would normally be considered appropriate for safe and high quality care.

“We have a large number of people requiring acute care, meaning they need immediate medical support.

“We cannot close to emergency admissions and our staff need the capacity to care for our sickest and most vulnerable patients.

“As a result, we are again reviewing all of those patients in hospital beds who no longer require clinical care, to see who can be safely discharged home or to a homely setting.”

Mr Ace revealed on Friday that there are currently 139 people in the region’s hospitals who no longer require clinical care but are unable to return home.

He added: “If you have a friend or loved one who is in this position, it is possible that our teams will be in touch with you to see what support you can provide to assist these individuals at home following their discharge from hospital.

“All assistance will be very gratefully received.

“These are difficult times within health and social care and it is unlikely that we will see an early easing of this pressure which is unprecedented – even in comparison with the worst waves of the Covid pandemic.

“We are grateful for the huge support that is already being provided by families, carers, and voluntary organisations throughout the region.

“How well we manage through this winter will be a test not just of individual organisations but how we all continue to pull together as a community to support our most vulnerable people.

“If you do require emergency care please do seek it out but realise that our hospital emergency departments are for emergencies only, that waits may be lengthy as we prioritise those most in need and that if it isn’t an emergency you may be directed elsewhere.

“We will continue to do our best to provide safe and high quality care to those most in need and we appreciate your ongoing
support.”