Rutlanders are being urged to help, where possible, when a friend, loved one or someone they care for is ready to be discharged from hospital.

Rutland County Council works with health partners to make sure that patients can leave hospitals in Peterborough and Leicester as soon as they are medically fit to do so, following regular treatments.

The council fully supports government guidance on social distancing that urges people to stay home and save lives, while recognising that some people being discharged from hospital will need help and support from a nominated relative or carer.

Families and friends are asked to be on hand to provide care and support to loved ones – helping them to leave hospital within three hours, if possible, once they are well. This is to reduce pressure on NHS services and free up beds for others in need of critical care.

Discharged family members or friends may also need help on the day of discharge itself to get settled back home. They may also need help with shopping, getting prescriptions, or other care for a period of time afterwards.

Councillor Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Rutland County Council, said: "We keep in daily contact with all local hospitals to identify any Rutland residents who are receiving treatment, then track each patient's stay to work out what support they may need to transfer home, when they are medically fit and ready.

"To help with this very important process, I would ask everyone to think now about the planning and practicalities of helping to get loved ones home from hospital as soon as they are well, so we can continue to keep our emergency services running as smoothly as possible.

"Government guidance on social distancing allows people to leave home to provide care or to help a vulnerable person and it's vital that family and friends are ready to help their loved ones, if needed. This is even more important now, as we all try to support the NHS through the current coronavirus pandemic – making sure they have enough critical space for those in need of urgent care."

Rutland County Council, in support of the NHS, has shared a simple checklist to make sure people can help their loved ones, safely:

· DO make sure you're well before lending assistance, especially to an older person or someone with the conditions listed at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

· DO self-isolate if you're experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 and look after yourself.

· DO consider others in your family or neighbourhood network who could offer help instead, if you are self-isolating

DO check for any trusted local networks you can use, many have already contacted local households

Family members who already provide formal care services are also being encouraged to phone a member of their care team immediately if they, or the person they care for, develops symptoms.

This will allow authorities to take steps to protect the health of our workforce and help reduce the potential spread of the virus to other people receiving support and care.