Hospital discharge is a crucial step in the recovery of patients with catastrophic injuries, but many face significant barriers, particularly the lack of accessible washing and toilet facilities at home. This challenge not only affects recovery but also contributes to bed blocking in hospitals.
The Barriers to Hospital Discharge
- Lack of Suitable Home Environment: Many homes are not equipped for individuals with mobility impairments, especially bathrooms. Without accessible facilities, returning home safely is impossible.
- Lengthy Adaptation Processes: Permanent home adaptations can take weeks or months, during which patients must remain in the hospital/care.
- Coordinating Multiple Services: Discharge planning involves coordinating various services. Delays in this process can prolong hospital/care stays.
The Effects of Bed Blocking
Bed blocking occurs when patients ready for discharge cannot leave due to non-medical reasons like unsuitable home adaptations. This strains healthcare resources, leading to overcrowded emergency departments, postponed surgeries, and increased healthcare costs. Prolonged hospital stays also negatively impact patients’ mental and emotional health and physical conditioning.
How Temporary Wet Rooms Provide a Solution
Our temporary wet rooms offer a practical solution to these challenges. These units, including accessible toilet and shower facilities, can be quickly installed (internally or externally) at a patient’s property as an interim solution while permanent adaptations are arranged. Additionally, our solutions include temporary accessible living spaces, such as bedroom extensions, addressing challenges related to sleeping arrangements and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Benefits:
- Enabling Timely Discharge: Temporary wet rooms allow patients to return home as soon as they are medically fit, reducing hospital stay duration and freeing up beds.
- Aiding Rehabilitation: Accessible facilities at home support ongoing rehabilitation, enhance patient comfort, and boost recovery.
- Alleviating Bed Blocking: Swift solutions to accessibility barriers help alleviate bed blocking, improving hospital efficiency and patient transitions.
Addressing discharge barriers, especially the lack of accessible facilities, is essential for reducing bed blocking and improving patient outcomes. Our temporary wet rooms provide an effective, immediate solution, enabling timely hospital discharges, supporting rehabilitation, and freeing up vital hospital beds. Integrating these solutions into discharge planning enhances patient care and optimises healthcare resources.
To find out more about the products and services that we provide, contact us on 01244 888299. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] .