Leaving Hospital – Planning Your Discharge

Planning your discharge from hospital

When you are admitted to Dorset County Hospital, you stay here while you need specialist hospital treatment. As soon as you are medically ready and no longer need an acute hospital bed, you will be discharged.

Most people can return home directly without extra help. If you need further support or assessment after leaving hospital, arrangements may be made for this to happen at home or in another care setting, such as a community hospital. This approach is called Discharge to Assess (D2A), where your ongoing care and support needs are assessed after you leave the acute hospital rather than while you remain in a hospital bed.

Information we need from you

We want to make sure there is a clear and safe plan for when you leave hospital. We will discuss this plan with you and, where appropriate, your family members, relatives, or carers.

Planning for your discharge starts as soon as you are admitted to hospital. Please tell us about anything that may affect your return home or ongoing care so we can make the necessary arrangements as early as possible.

You and your family will be involved in decisions about your discharge throughout your stay. If you have any questions, concerns, or worries, please speak to a member of the ward team, who will be happy to help.

Getting you to the right place for your recovery

Dorset County Hospital is the best place for treating your medical condition, but it is not usually the best place for your recovery once you are medically well enough to leave.

Recovering at home, with support if needed, has many benefits. Being in familiar surroundings and close to family, friends, and carers can help you feel more comfortable and confident. It can also make it easier to regain your independence and return to your normal daily activities. Support provided at home can be tailored to your individual needs and adjusted as your recovery progresses.

Staying in hospital longer than necessary can have a negative impact on your health. You may lose muscle strength and mobility, become less independent, and face a greater risk of developing infections that can be acquired while in hospital. For these reasons, we will support you to leave hospital as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Arrangements for your ongoing care

Most people are able to return home to continue their recovery after leaving hospital. If needed, short-term care can be arranged to support you to return home safely. However, some patients may benefit from a short stay in a community hospital or another temporary care setting,
sometimes known as a reablement bed.

If this is recommended, it will be discussed with you and, where appropriate, your family or carers. The community hospital and temporary care setting beds are intended for short-term support and recovery. Because availability is limited, you will not be able to choose the location of the bed offered. We understand that this may make visiting more difficult for family and friends.

If this is a concern, please speak to the ward staff, as local voluntary organisations may be able to help with transport and visiting arrangements. You always have the right to decline any care or support that is offered. However, if you choose not to accept the discharge support recommended by the team, you will be responsible for arranging and funding your own care and discharge arrangements.

Community support

We work closely with local voluntary organisations that can provide practical help and support when you leave hospital. This may include assistance with collecting prescriptions, shopping for essentials, or providing general support as you settle back at home.

If you need advice or support, you can contact Help and Kindness through their Community Response Service:

Telephone – 01305 595958

Website – www.dorsetscommunityresponse.co.uk

The service can help connect you with local organisations and support available in your community, helping to make your return home as smooth and safe as possible.

Transport home

When you are ready to leave hospital, you will usually be expected to arrange your own transport home. This may be by private car, taxi, or public transport, with support from family, friends, or carers if needed.

Some patients may be eligible for NHS-funded patient transport. Eligibility is based on national criteria set by NHS England and will depend on your medical condition and the level of support you require during the journey.

Before NHS-funded Non-Emergency Patient Transport can be arranged, all other suitable transport options must be considered.

If you think you may need help with transport when you leave hospital, please discuss this with the ward team as early as possible so the most appropriate arrangements can be made. If you have any concerns about getting home safely, please speak to a member of staff, who will be able to advise you on the options available.

Find out more about Dorset’s Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.