Enter and view: Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Discharge Lounge

Healthwatch Calderdale and Healthwatch Kirklees undertook an enter and view visit to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Discharge Lounge on 22, 27 and 28 February 2024.  They spoke to 23 people.

Healthwatch were made to feel welcome during the visit and staff did their best to speak about their experiences of working on the lounge even though it was a really busy service. Healthwatch noticed that staff enjoyed working on the unit as there was a real team spirit about how they problem-solve and make it as good as they can for the patient.

The area used currently as a “lounge” is crowded but works okay. The staff do a lot to sort out discharge “behind the scenes” but the physical environment seemed to dominate patient’s experience. The temperature needs looking at and regulating if the area is to be used for an extended period. 

The Discharge Lounge needs to be moved to the new Discharge hub as soon as possible, not only to improve the environment for patients but workload for staff. Healthwatch hope that the feedback we have gathered from staff and patients will be used to inform how the service will be delivered in future. If the new space allows Healthwatch wondered if different zones for patients to choose or move around in would make it more interesting space to wait

Healthwatch hopes that the new Discharge hub will feel more informal and comfortable with more activities that are easier available and a more relaxing space. For now, it is important that patients have more information about timescales and the reasons they have been moved to the Discharge Lounge. Healthwatch found from our conversations with patients that they might get involved in reading or do jigsaw or even take up the offer of refreshments if they had known the wait was over a certain time. Healthwatch also felt that the success of the lounge should be celebrated wider and publicised better so that other wards use the facility more. The lounge takes away the hassle associated with discharges, especially those that are more complex and other wards could benefit from this.