Discharge from Hospital still in Safe Hands
When you are ready to leave hospital: moving or returning to another place of care
Patient information
Research and evidence tells us that it’s much better for your physical and mental wellbeing to leave hospital as soon as you are medically ready to do so. That’s why we will plan your return with you and any family, friends or carers you want to be involved, so that you can leave hospital as soon as you are well enough to do so.
It’s important for your health that we avoid prolonged, unnecessary stays in hospital as these can have an impact on your physical strength, due to muscle ageing, and on your mental wellbeing due to being away from your home comforts and loved ones. People tell us that they are most comfortable at home, or in a place that can care for them. We want to work with you to make sure that you are not staying in hospital any longer than you need to be. Avoiding long hospital stays also means that beds and resources are available for those who need hospital care.
What might I expect?
Most people can return home without needing any support. A few people, however, do need a bit of extra support for a while. Our Discharge Team will make arrangements for any services you need for the first few days. We will arrange to come and visit you at home to find out if you need further support. We will agree a time and date when we are coming to visit and this will be arranged within the first day or two after you get home. We know that some people prefer to wait and rest and settle in before we come to see you. Doing this assessment with you in your own home, rather than in hospital, means we can get a better picture of you and any future support options.
Why can’t I stay in hospital?
When your medical care has finished and it’s time to leave hospital, it is not always safe for you to go straight home. You may need to go to another hospital or another care setting to help you regain your health, independence and confidence before you go back home. The Discharge Team can help with this decision making and will always talk to you about this. We will also talk to your family and carers if you would like us to.
Whatever your individual needs are, we will work with you and your loved ones to support you to be as well and independent as you can be, as soon as possible. National research and evidence shows that staying in hospital once your treatment has ended can put back your recovery.
If you need a social worker and ongoing support when you leave hospital one will be allocated to you. They will work with you to access any support you may need, this may involve a financial assessment and a contribution towards your care.
Who can I contact?
If you, a family member or a friend is worried about going home and feel that you need more information, please talk to the staff on the ward, you can call the ward 7 days a week.
Download the patient discharge leaflet here
Discharge from hospital videos
Information for patients - watch here
Information for staff - watch here
