Speaking out on leaving hospital
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In 2015, Healthwatch Devon carried out a short survey, asking people about their experiences of leaving hospital. The survey was conducted in response to the launch of Healthwatch England’s special inquiry into people’s experiences of leaving hospital and care in 2014. The survey was available online and in hard copy. The team received more than 300 responses.
Most respondents seemed happy with their discharge experience, however, 1 in 3 reported that they were ‘not very happy’ or ‘not at all happy’. The findings indicated that the 3 top causes of dissatisfaction were timeliness, aftercare and communication. Respondents indicated that the main improvement that could be made was ‘coordination of care between hospital and home’.
Healthwatch Devon made 5 recommendations. The report noted that the findings were similar to a report published 3 years ago, indicating that problems with discharge processes were persistent. The report included a response from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.