Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOWH) is making significant efforts this December to help patients leave hospital and recover at home, ensuring they can spend Christmas in the comfort of their own surroundings.
From supporting acute hospitals with timely discharges to providing personalised care through community services, the trust is committed to helping patients regain their independence this festive season.
Over the past week, the trust has supported:
• 672 patients through the Urgent Community Response (UCR) teams, helping prevent hospital admissions by providing care at home.
• 286 patients through the virtual ward service, enabling patients to receive hospital-level care remotely.
• 110 patients discharged from our services.
These efforts are part of a coordinated approach to ensure patients can return home safely and continue their recovery in familiar surroundings, supported by the trust’s dedicated teams.
Two recent patients, Amy and Margaret, highlight the impact of these efforts:
Amy Leneve, 20, from Romsey, suffered a life-changing spinal injury earlier this year while practising with her trampoline club at a camp in Portugal. After emergency surgery, followed by intensive care and rehabilitation at the University Hospital Southampton and the South of England Rehabilitation Centre (SERC) in Southampton, Amy is now back home in time for Christmas.
“Being home for Christmas means so much to me,” Amy said. “I can do things at my own pace, sleep in my own bed, and get back into my routine. I’ve had amazing support from everyone throughout my journey, and I’m so grateful for the care I’ve received.”
Amy is now working with the trust’s neuro rehabilitation gym service to build her strength and regain independence.
Margaret O’Boyle, 90, from Basingstoke, was admitted to the acute setting Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital in November after a bad fall. She transferred to HIOWH’s Alton Community Hospital’s Inwood rehabilitation and recovery ward on 2 December. Following two weeks of intensive therapy, Margaret was discharged on 18 December, just in time for Christmas.
Margaret worked closely with a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and healthcare assistants to regain her mobility and confidence. Her discharge was supported by South Central Ambulance Service, which transported her safely home.
“For all the goodwill that goes on in here, Christmas would be every day,” Margaret said. “The people here are so committed to their job. I have been very fortunate, and I am so grateful.”
The trust’s efforts extend beyond individual success stories, with a range of services working together to ensure patients can go home safely and stay there.
• Urgent Community Response Teams provide rapid support to prevent hospital admissions and support patients’ needs at home.
• Virtual wards offer hospital-level care remotely, reducing the need for inpatient stays while maintaining close monitoring of patients’ health.
• Rehabilitation units like the South of England Rehabilitation Centre at the Western Community Hospital in Southampton and Alton Community Hospital focus on recovery, helping patients regain independence before returning home.
Dr Dan Baylis, Chief Medical Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Helping patients return home for Christmas is about more than just discharges – it is about giving people their independence back. Our teams across the Trust are all working tirelessly to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place.
“Patients like Amy and Margaret are incredible examples of what can be achieved when expert care, determination and support come together. These efforts not only improve patient outcomes, but also ease pressure on our hospitals, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality care for everyone who needs it. Seeing patients able to celebrate the festive season at home is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”