Leaving hospital

Each hospital has its own arrangements for discharging patients. When you first meet your doctor (on admission or pre-assessment for your procedure), they will estimate how long you're likely to stay in hospital. This will help you, your family, carer and anyone else involved in your care plan for your return.

Your discharge or transfer date will be affected by how quickly your health improves while you are in hospital and what support you need after you leave. If you have continuing health and social care needs and:

  • cannot return home alone – the hospital social worker can help with information and advice.
  • were receiving help before you went into hospital – the nurse looking after you will arrange for this to be started again when you return home.
  • were not receiving help or need more help than before – your nurse will contact the hospital social worker to arrange for an assessment of your needs.

Following your assessment, there are a number of possible care options that we might recommend as part of your support plan.

District nurse

District nurses provide healthcare to people in the community or at home. This could include administering medication, wound care, continence support, leg ulcer care and catheter management. You or your carer are still responsible for collecting any medication from your local pharmacy.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can help you develop confidence in doing everyday activities, and learn new skills so you can manage on your own.

Support to stay at home

Getting support such as professional home care and home-delivered meals can help you settle back into a normal routine and regain your confidence and independence.

Care away from home

If you can no longer manage in your own home, moving into supported housing or a residential, nursing or specialist home might be a good option for you.

Getting temporary help

Temporary help at home or a stay away from your house can help after an illness and give you an idea of what it might be like to permanently move to a care home.