Hospital discharge

Going home

We will tell you when your treatment is due to end and when you are due to leave hospital. The hospital staff will be planning your discharge home, so feel free to talk with them about when you can leave. 

Most people go home from hospital. However, if you are likely to require further care after your treatment is complete, we will discuss the choices available to you.

In the morning you are due to leave, you may be moved out of your ward to our discharge lounge. This is a comfortable space with hot meals, snacks and drinks. 

When you leave hospital, you will be given a discharge letter and medications.

Who can help

  • Hospital discharge team – before you leave hospital.

  • Your GP – for health advice and extra support.

  • Local social services – for care assessments and equipment.

  • Charities – like Age UK or British Red Cross for practical help.

Why it is better to recover at home

  • Being in a familiar place helps you recover and helps you feel relaxed and positive.

  • Home is safer and more comfortable. Hospitals are busy places and staying too long can not be good for you.

  • Doing normal things like making a drink or walking to the bathroom helps you get well again.

What support is available after discharge?

  • Groups like the British Red Cross can help with shopping, collecting prescriptions, or just being a friendly face.

  • Some people can get up to 6 weeks of free care at home to help them get strong again. This is called reablement or intermediate care.

  • Visits from nurses or carers can help with washing, dressing, and checking your health. If you need this, it will be arranged before you leave hospital.

  • Once you are home, your GP or local council may be able to arrange extra help if you need it.

How families, friends and carers can help

  • Arrange transport home.

  • Make sure food is in the fridge and the heating is on.

  • Clear space for moving around. Remove rugs or things that could make someone trip.

  • Get equipment if needed. The hospital team can arrange things like:

    • A hospital bed or pressure mattress

    • A commode or toilet frame

    • Grab rails or walking aids.

  • Check medicines. Have a safe place for tablets and any special equipment.

  • Plan help. Think about meals, shopping, and someone to check in regularly.

Let us know if there’s going to be a problem

Please let us know as soon as possible if there is going to be an issue with getting home.

For example, you may have been admitted to our hospital in an emergency and do not have your keys with you.

We can help you, but if we do not know there are problems until the day you are due to be discharged then this will likely lead to delays.