What happens when you leave hospital
Once you’re admitted to hospital, your treatment plan, including information about what will happen when its time to leave will be developed. You may go home after your stay in hospital or be transferred to somewhere that can offer the help and support you need.
An assessment will be done to see if you need more care after you leave the hospital – and you will be fully involved in this. With your permission, your family and/or carers will be kept fully informed and given the chance to be involved too.
If you need help putting your views across, an independent advocate may be able to help.
There’s no place like home. Please make sure your loved ones collect you on time when it is time for you to leave. This will ensure our hospitals can help the next person.
Some people will need little, or no care once they have left hospital
If your assessment shows that you need more specialised care after you leave hospital, a plan will be made. This care plan should include.
- details of the treatment and support you’ll getwhen its time for you to leave hospital.
- who will be responsible for providing support and how to contact them.
- when and how often support will be provided.
- how the support will be monitored and reviewed.
- the name of the person co-ordinating the care plan.
- who to contact if there’s an emergency or things do not work as they should.
- information about any charges that will need to be paid (if applicable).
Preparing for your discharge.
If you’re given any medicine to take home, you’ll usually be given enough for the following 7 days. The letter to your GP will include information about your medicine.
If you need to keep taking your medication, make sure you arrange to get a repeat prescription from your GP practice before your hospital supply runs out.
Some GP practices require up to 2 working days (48 hours) notice for repeat prescriptions.
If you’re registered for patient online services with your GP, you could order your repeat prescription through the NHS website.
Your local pharmacy can also help you get on top of your new medicines.
If you’re sent home with a medical device, make sure you know how to set it up and have been taught how to use it.
Also, make sure you know where to get any supplies you need to use the device and who to call if you need help.
If you’re being discharged, arrange for a relative or friend to collect you, or let the staff know if they need to make other transport arrangements for you.
If you’re returning home, make sure you have everything you need for your recovery.
It may be helpful to ask a friend or relative to stay with you or visit regularly.
If this is not possible, make sure you have plenty of food, drink and other essentials at home.
You may need a sick note or information for insurance companies or your employer.
Speak to the nurse in charge of your ward if you need a form to be completed.
Get to Know Where to Go
It will also be helpful to familiarise yourself with our Get to Know Where to Go pages. When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner.