As health services experience sustained winter pressures, NHS Lanarkshire is using a system that helps patients get home as soon as possible and frees up vital capacity.
The forward-thinking programme, Discharge without Delay (DwD), is run by NHS Lanarkshire supported by the two local university health & social care partnerships.
Dr Chris Deighan, Executive Medical Director for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Ensuring people can return home as soon as they are well enough, supports their wellbeing and recovery while also helping create the capacity required to maintain safe and effective care for those who need to remain in hospital.
“DwD works because we have the fantastic support of the patients leaving hospital and their families and carers. This commitment to working together is central to keeping people safe and enabling us to deliver high‑quality care across Lanarkshire.
“DwD is about recognising what matters most to the individual and supporting them to return home safely and confidently when they’re ready. At a time when hospital services are under pressure, helping people get home without unnecessary delay is not only better for their wellbeing, it also helps ensure we have the space to care safely for those who are seriously unwell.”
Sharon Murray, NHS Lanarkshire’s Nurse Director for Acute, added: “Patients and families play an important part in helping discharge go smoothly.
“By sharing any concerns or support needs early, staying connected with ward teams and preparing for going home – whether that’s organising transport, making sure essential items are available or getting the home environment ready – they make a real and meaningful difference.
“These small steps help us plan effectively and ensure people return home safely, confidently and with the right support in place.”
DwD is a system of links between the patient and their family, NHS staff, the hospital-based social care workers, and health and care teams in the community. It uses three key elements – planning for discharge from the point of admission, prioritising staff time to plan as an extended team, and using an approach called Home First.
Leaving hospital as soon as possible is important because delays can have an impact on emotional wellbeing and can have serious consequences for health. For an older person, studies have shown that three weeks in bed reduces fitness equal to 30 years of aging. Deconditioning can lead to further delay and, as care requirements increase, the chances of returning home can reduce. This leads to poor patient outcomes and adds even more pressure to the system.
Home First ensures that people can be cared for at home or as close to home as possible. It also prevents avoidable admissions to hospital and supports timely discharge when hospital admission is necessary.
More information here: Frequently asked questions on Discharge without Delay
