Carers' experience of hospital discharge

Healthwatch Warwickshire was commissioned by NHS England and Improvement (NHSE&I) to listen to carers’ experiences of the discharge process.  They spoke to 23 carers about their recent experience of hospital discharge.

Carers wanted to see:

• Ensuring that the Carer is well informed about the patient - when the patient is expected to be discharged, what needs to happen before discharge, what training or skills the Carer might need in order to be confident in providing ongoing care, and where that is not the case, that the carer does not feel judged or inadequate.
• Creating trusted spaces for the Carer to have honest conversations about their own ability to care for the patient and signposting them for support when needed.
• Not assuming that the person can, or is willing to provide, the care that is needed.
• Removing bias, or assumptions based on age or culture of the Carer or patient.

The report includes 5 recommendations.