Covid-19: Hospital discharge for Rotherham residents
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Healthwatch Rotherham analysed the results from the Healthwatch England hospital discharge survey that related to Rotherham residents – 12 people.
Most of the patients concerned were discharged between June and August, with over half of them discharged in July. Over half waited over 2 hours to be discharged. Waiting for medication was the biggest reason for delay. Nearly all of the patients were not told the discharge process had changed because of covid-19. Over half were not given information about who to contact if they needed further health advice or support after leaving hospital. Three in five carers or relatives did not feel sufficiently informed or involved.
Overall, most respondents said that they thought the new discharge procedures were worse than before. The main issues related to communication, including lack of information about the discharge process, lack of understanding about next steps and follow-on support services and not involving carers and relatives.
There were five recommendations about Covid-19 testing; how to get support; access to medication, follow up care assessments and involving carers and families in the decision making process.