No abstract

Results From the start of the first lockdown 23rd March 2020 until the easing of restrictions on 15th June 2020 we discharged 23 long stay patients. The length of stay prior to discharge varied from 19-866 days. The median time to discharge in this group was 22 days from the start of lockdown. The barriers to discharge varied from need for housing and care provision to social care support. Apart from improvement in length of stay we also were able to solve problems innovatively by working together. Cots and white goods were sourced through social care funds and ordered on amazon by our occupational therapists. Donated housing capacity was identified by our covid command structure facilitated families moving there temporarily instead of staying in hospital. A local hospice was able to provide care for the most complex of our patients whilst awaiting onwards placements in social care and carer training. The feedback from stakeholders following discharge was used to refine processes. There were no adverse outcomes or readmissions. Conclusions This period of global health crisis has been devastating for many. In amongst the tragedy, there are glimmers of learning that would not have been achieved without this unprecedented challenge. This rapid discharge process is one such glimmer. It demonstrates that by working together across agency boundaries, thinking innovatively and putting the children and families at the heart of what we do, we can effect rapid change. We now need to harness and retain this learning to be able to continue sending children home