Hospital discharge in West Kent: Impact report

Healthwatch Kent have visited Discharge Lounges in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals in 2017 and spoke to 89 people about their experiences of being discharged. They have detailed the impact their recommendations have had from the Hospitals.

It was reported that the experiences of patients and their families have been heard by decision makers; more patients are being discharged quicker; there is support for patients who need to make space in their homes for medical equipment; there is more physiotherapy provided in hospitals; the discharge lounges are used better; and more patients are discharged before lunchtime.

The report states that GPs, West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group, and District & Country Councillers/local MPs have been informed of the findings. Healthwatch Kent have invited Kent County Council to join the discussion with the hospitals, but they have not been involved to date. The next steps for Healthwatch Kent include the continuation of gathering people's experiences of hospital discharge, continue to contact Kent County Council to understand the improvements that are being made and to re-visit the Discharge Lounges to directly talk to patients.