New pilot discharge programme at King's Lynn hospital

Health and housing officials in West Norfolk have joined forces for a pilot project which aims to reduce delays in discharging patients.

West Norfolk Council is working with Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the borough’s clinical commissioning group (CCG) on the 12 month programme.

Officials say a similar programme at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital halved average patient stays there in just 12 weeks.

Under the scheme, which has been outlined in a council report, two of the authority’s housing officers are working in the hospital’s integrated discharge hub.

Borough council deputy leader Elizabeth Nockolds said: “At the point of admission, if the discharge co-ordinator identifies patients who may have an issue which would delay their discharge, they will be referred to our housing officers.

“Our housing team will be able to offer support to those who are homeless and make referrals to the Care & Repair service to provide home adaptations, equipment such as Careline.”

Mrs Nockolds said the Norfolk and Norwich hospital programme had halved the average length of stay in geriatric medical wards and had saved a total of 203 bed days over an 11 week period.

Reducing delays in discharging patients has become a key priority amid the continuing battle to meet demand. A traffic light-based system to help patients build towards going home has been used at the QEH for several months.

Jon Wade, the hospital’s chief operating officer, said yesterday: “We’re pleased to be working collaboratively with the borough council and West Norfolk CCG to support this pilot scheme.

“Patient flow through the hospital is very important aspect and our aim is to ensure patients are discharged in a safe manner as soon as possible. This is for the benefit of the patient and the hospital.

“This scheme is one of a number of initiatives that we are running to try and maximise patient flow.”

West Norfolk CCG accountable officer John Webster added: “This is a fantastic initiative which is going to make a big difference to patients in West Norfolk.

“It is also a great example of public organisations in the area coming together for the benefit of the community.”