New discharge lounge opens at Daisy Hill Hospital

Staff Nurse Bernadette Cunningham with patient Margaret Savage, ready to go home with her daughter Richella Byrne.

A NEW discharge lounge has opened at Daisy Hill Hospital to help ensure that the most acutely ill patients get a bed as soon as possible.

Patients assessed as fit for home from any adult wards or the Emergency Department can be transferred to the comfortable surroundings of the new lounge where discharge arrangements, for example paper work and medications, are completed.

The unit which can accommodate up to 10 patients, has been developed as part of the stabilisation plans for acute medicine at Daisy Hill, to help improve patient flow throughout the hospital.

Welcoming the new development, Chief Operating Officer for Daisy Hill Hospital, Mary Burke said: “We know that most patients want to get home to their own surroundings as soon as they are able, however it can take some time to make all the necessary arrangements like organising prescriptions and discharge letters.

“The new discharge lounge aims to help us to free up beds as soon as possible for the next acutely ill patient, while offering a comfortable, safe place for those fit for home.

"The unit, like the discharge lounge in Craigavon Hospital, is functioning well, helping to free up space on wards to bring in new admissions.

“Staff are doing their utmost in very difficult circumstances, but we also ask for public support.

"It is essential that patients leave hospital when they are discharged by the doctor and families take their loved one home as soon as they are medically fit.

"This may mean accepting an alternative package or care home placement while waiting for a preferred option.

"We also know that patients who stay in hospital longer than necessary are at higher risk of falls, delirium, infection and demobilisation.

"We really appeal for help in ensuring that those who need acute care most, get a hospital bed and greatly appreciate your support.”

The discharge lounge takes patients Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12noon to 7pm.

It is staffed by trained nurses and refreshments and meals are provided as required.

Choosing the right service

Please only come to Daisy Hill or Craigavon EDs if you have serious symptoms that need hospital care.

Always Phone First (Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm) before travelling to Craigavon, Daisy Hill or South Tyrone EDs or Minor Injuries service with less urgent symptoms. Tel: 0300 123 3 111.

Please also consider if your condition could be treated by your pharmacist or GP.

If symptoms can’t wait until your GP reopens, call Urgent Care (GP) Out of Hours Tel: 028 3839 9201.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/how-use-your-health-services

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/camp…/illnesses-and-conditions