The James Paget has joined health and social care organisations across Norfolk and Waveney to launch a new campaign to promote the benefits of recovering at home, in your own bed, after surgery or inpatient treatment.
The #HomeFirst campaign aims to explain why patients should make sure they can leave hospital on their Expected Discharge Date (EDD), rather than spending a prolonged spell in a hospital bed.
#HomeFirst has been developed by the Norfolk and Waveney Health and Care Partnership which includes the area’s hospitals, five NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and Norfolk County Council.
Cath Byford, Chief Nurse of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups for Norfolk and Waveney, said; “We know most patients will recover faster and better in their own home, where they are in a familiar environment and can get back into their normal daily routines. We also know patients would rather be in their own bed than a hospital bed. This campaign aims to make them aware of what they, their family or carers can do to avoid unnecessary delays when they are ready to return home.”
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, who Chairs the Norfolk and Waveney Health and Care Partnership, said; “We involved NHS and social care staff, patients, carers and members of the voluntary sector to help design the campaign, and it became clear they wanted it to be positive and upbeat, promoting the benefits for patients of leaving hospital on time and recovering at home.”
Councillor Bill Borrett, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said: “I know our residents will support “Home First” because they tell us that it is what they want. This great campaign is all about helping people to look after themselves at home, so that they do not need to go to hospital or into care. By shifting the conversation to talk about how we can deliver better care at home, we will help people to maintain their independence.”