New Discharge Lounge at Daisy Hill Hospital  | Newry News

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, paperwork 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, says, “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 the hospital when they are discharged by the doctor, and families take their loved ones 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 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 7 p.m.

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, 9 am to 9 pm) 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.

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Posted by NewryTimes News on Nov 3 2023. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry