Families in Rutland are being asked to help, where possible, when a friend, loved one or someone they care about is ready to return home from hospital.

Rutland County Council works with health partners to make sure that patients can leave hospital as soon as they are medically fit to do so. Assessing each patient, to ensure the right care and support is in place for a safe discharge home.

Families and friends are asked to be on hand to help loved ones leave hospital as soon as possible, once they are well. This helps to reduce pressure on NHS services and free up beds for others in need of critical care.

Family members or friends leaving hospital may need help on the day they are discharged, so they can get settled in back at home. They may also need help with shopping, getting prescriptions, or other care for a period of time afterwards.

Coun Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "We are in daily contact with all local hospitals to identify 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, we ask people to think about the planning and practicalities that go into getting loved ones home from hospital, so we can avoid delays and keep our health services running as smoothly as possible. This is particularly important because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as we need to make sure hospitals have enough 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 are also being encouraged to phone a member of their homecare team if they, or the person they care for, develops COVID-19 symptoms.

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