Discharge from hospital - Phase 1: pre-discharge

Healthwatch Cheshire are undertaking a wider Discharge from Hospital project.  This report focuses on the pre-discharge stage at Leighton Hospital. It explores patients’ experiences of discharge planning while still in hospital, including how informed and supported people felt, and whether they were prepared to leave. 

Between November 2025 and February 2026, Healthwatch spoke to 20 Cheshire East residents at the point where discharge was being discussed or finalised. Most patients had been admitted as emergencies, and lengths of stay varied from a few days to several months.

Overall, patients were positive about the care they received on the wards, with kindness and dedication of staff highlighted consistently. However, some experiences of the discharge process itself were more varied. Most patients reported that they had been told about the discharge process and felt ready to leave hospital. 

Family members and carers played an important role in supporting patients and helping them understand what would happen next. The majority of patients had also been seen by occupational therapists or physiotherapists as part of their preparation for discharge. 

Despite this, some gaps were identified in how information and support were provided. Written information was rarely given or clearly explained, and some patients found it difficult to get answers to questions when they needed them. In several cases, discharge arrangements were confirmed late or changed at short notice, which affected people’s ability to feel fully prepared. 

While many patients felt ready to leave, this was sometimes based on a general understanding rather than detailed knowledge of what would happen after discharge. Uncertainty around timings, care arrangements and practical support remained for some. 

This report highlights both the strengths of ward based care and the importance of clear, timely communication and planning in supporting safe and confident discharge. Findings from this stage will inform the next phase of the project, which will follow patients after leaving hospital to understand how discharge plans work in practice. This is particularly relevant in the context of the NHS 10 Year Plan and the growing focus on neighbourhood health, where more care is delivered closer to home and within communities. 

Effective discharge planning, with clear communication and coordinated support, will be key to ensuring that neighbourhood-based services can meet people’s needs safely and sustainably. Findings from all phases will be published on Healthwatch Cheshire’s websites, and shared with Mid-Cheshire NHS Trust, Cheshire East Local Authority, and Cheshire and Merseyside ICB