Minister Nesbitt: Timely discharge is better for patients and our hospitals

Date published: 12 December 2025

Hospital admissions are on the rise in the winter months, and during a visit to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Minister Nesbitt witnessed firsthand just how under pressure services are.

The Minister visited the Belfast Trust’s Discharge and Social Work Hub, which provides support to facilitate patients going home after a hospital stay, prioritising safe, effective and compassionate care.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: 

“I was delighted to visit the Hub at the Royal Victoria Hospital, to see the excellent work they are doing to support the timely discharge of patients. During winter, pressure is added to our already stretched hospital services due to seasonal illnesses, and we all need to do our bit to help.

“We want to ensure we have hospital beds ready for those who require them as quickly as possible. Nobody wants a family member or loved one to spend lengthy periods waiting for a hospital bed, especially in the run up to Christmas. Unfortunately, if beds are not available, this is the reality.

“Staying in hospital longer than you need to can also lead to other health complications, such as hospital acquired infections. Timely discharge is better for patients and our hospitals.”

Colin McMullan, Interim Director for Adult Community, Older People's Services and Allied Health Professionals at the Belfast Trust said: 

“There is huge pressure on our beds, so it is really important that we have a good discharge flow. Our multi-disciplinary team, which includes social workers, pharmacy, occupational therapists and a physiotherapist, play a vital part in ensuring that people are going home at the right time, with the right support.

“We know that with older people, long hospital days increases the risk of deconditioning, so we really want to get them back home safely as quickly as possible once their acute medical need has been addressed.”

The Minister wants to reassure the public that we are working hard to ensure that the HSC system will be there for those who need it this winter. He added: 

“Health and social care staff will continue to do their best to provide care to all those who need it. Even though our hospitals are under pressure, it is vital that anyone who requires urgent care seeks and receives it.”

Patients who are ready to be discharged but need help at home, which is not immediately available, may be offered a range of support, including:

- the option of a Direct Payment

-  being asked to wait at home with support from your family/friends

- a temporary placement in a care home.

This might cause you some temporary inconvenience but please be assured that local HSC Trusts will continue to source the care option that best meets your assessed needs.

To assist with the availability of Home Care capacity, HSC Trusts will continue to review support packages through their Early Review Teams. Packages of homecare will be considered in line with an individual’s assessed needs which could mean a reduction in support, but equally these reviews can lead to increased packages of care where that is appropriate. This process enables capacity to be released back into the system. Each hour released is an additional hour that can be allocated to someone in need.