PEOPLE are being urged to support the NHS this winter by choosing the most appropriate care for their needs.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL) is asking local people to help NHS services this winter as part of its Right Care, Right Place campaign, which encourages residents to use hospital emergency departments only for serious and life-threatening conditions.
The campaign also asks the public to support timely hospital discharges by helping loved ones return home safely once they are well enough to go home.
Professor Sarah O’Brien, Chief Nurse at MWL, said: "For someone over 80, just 10 days of bed rest can lead to the equivalent of 10 years of muscle ageing, so getting home safely can make a real difference to recovery.
"No one should remain in hospital for longer than they need to.
"Our teams work closely with patients, families and carers to plan ahead and make any practical arrangements needed.
"Every patient is different, and some will need additional care or support.
"Our priority will always be to make sure they can leave hospital safely and at the right time."
A campaign video explains how the public can help by choosing the right NHS service and supporting loved ones’ discharge.
Families and carers can also make an important difference by getting involved in conversations about discharge early and helping with practical arrangements so their loved one can return home safely and without unnecessary delays.
Practical steps include arranging transport, bringing suitable clothing, ensuring access to the home, and checking that essentials such as heating and food are in place.
The trust is also reminding people to use NHS 111 if they are unsure about which service to access.
By choosing the right service and supporting patients to leave hospital when they are ready, local people can help NHS teams care for those who need them most throughout the winter.
The Right Care, Right Place campaign film is available to watch on YouTube.
Anyone experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency should call 999 or attend their nearest A&E department.
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