The discharge process
We know that you probably have a lot of questions. We have tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions here.
NHS bodies and local authorities should ensure that, where appropriate, unpaid carers and family members are involved in discharge decisions.
government guidance
Staff at the hospital are there to help with the discharge process
Communication and Involvement
- Regular Updates: Expect regular updates from the medical team about the patient’s condition and treatment plan. It’s important to ask questions and seek clarification if anything is unclear.
- Involvement in Decisions: You should be involved in decisions about the patient’s care, especially if they are unable to make decisions themselves. This includes discussions about treatment options, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
- Care Plan Meetings: Participate in care plan meetings where the healthcare team discusses the patient’s progress and future care needs. Your input is valuable in these discussions.
How the discharge process should work
Assessment
Initial Assessment: Conducted by healthcare professionals to determine the patient’s readiness for discharge. This includes evaluating medical stability and any ongoing care needs.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting: A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists discuss the patient’s condition and plan for discharge.
Planning
Discharge Plan: Developed based on the assessment, outlining the care and support needed post-discharge. This may include medications, follow-up appointments, and home care services.
Patient and Family Involvement: Patients and their families are involved in planning to ensure they understand and agree with the discharge plan.
Coordination
Communication with Community Services: Coordination with community health services, such as district nurses or social care, to arrange necessary support.
Equipment and Medication: Arrangements for any required medical equipment or prescriptions to be ready for the patient upon discharge.
Implementation
Final Checks: Ensure all aspects of the discharge plan are in place, including transportation and home readiness.
Discharge Summary: A summary of the hospital stay and discharge plan is provided to the patient and sent to their GP.
Follow up
Post-Discharge Support: Follow-up appointments and home visits may be scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any
issues.
Feedback and Review: Patients and families are encouraged to provide feedback on the discharge process to improve future care.