Top nurse urges help for hospital patients ready to go home
Families asked to assist with patient discharges
Last updated 13th Jan 2026
Families and friends of hospital patients in Suffolk and north east Essex are being asked to help clear hospital beds by supporting their loved ones to recover at home.
This comes as hospitals in the region face mounting pressure during the busy winter months, with flu and respiratory illnesses increasing admissions.
Lisa Nobes, Director of Nursing for the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said temporary support by relatives could make a significant difference.
“Our local health care staff are doing an amazing job during this challenging time,” Nobes said.
“But we need to ensure that people waiting in our emergency areas can be admitted by discharging medically fit patients still on wards because the home support they require isn’t in place yet.”
Families, carers, and friends able to assist are encouraged to contact nursing staff to explore how they can help facilitate a discharge.
“This not only supports loved ones in their recovery but helps others access care more promptly,” Nobes added.
She highlighted that the hospital environment poses risks to well patients, such as picking up viruses, poor sleep, and limited mobility.
“The longer fit patients remain in hospital, the longer they are at risk. Nobody wants to stay in the hospital longer than necessary – and there’s no place like home.”
Nobes urged the public: “We want them to spend precious time with their families rather than being in a hospital. Our local teams and social workers are here to provide guidance for those helping ensure their relatives receive the right care at home.”