NHS Lanarkshire is currently using the Discharge without Delay (DwD) scheme, which aims to ease pressure on hospital beds by ensuring patients are able to return home as soon as they are medically fit to do so.
The programme is particularly important this winter as health services face sustained seasonal demand.
Dr Chris Deighan, executive medical director at 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.
“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.”
The DwD scheme is supported by the two local university health and social care partnerships.
It emphasises the importance of early discharge planning, teamwork across disciplines, and a Home First approach, ensuring patients receive care at home or as close to home as possible.
The system connects patients and families with NHS staff, hospital-based social care workers, and community health and care teams to ensure that care needs are identified and addressed throughout the patient’s stay.
Sharon Murray, nurse director for acute services at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “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 begins discharge planning from the point of admission.
Hospital and community teams work together to identify needs and coordinate care, so patients can leave the hospital as soon as they are ready.
Delays in leaving the hospital can have a significant impact, especially on older patients.
Research shows that a three-week stay in bed can decondition an older person’s health as much as 30 years of ageing.
This loss of physical fitness can increase care needs, reduce the likelihood of returning home, lead to poorer outcomes for patients, and add further strain to already stretched health services.
The Home First element of DwD ensures people are supported at home or in the most appropriate community setting, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and enabling timely discharge when admission is unavoidable.
The success of the scheme relies on collaboration between patients, families, NHS staff, social care teams, and community health workers.
Early conversations, practical preparations, and clear communication all help to ensure that patients are able to return home safely, with the right support in place to continue their recovery.
Further information about the Discharge without Delay programme and answers to common questions are available on the NHS Lanarkshire website.
