Carers' experiences of Dorset Home First service
Download (PDF 1.1 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Dorset undertook a research project in partnership with Dorset HealthCare to understand the challenges people face with the government’s ‘discharge to access’ process when someone is discharged from hospital. Throughout March 2022, 45 phone interviews were conducted by volunteers, 19 of which identified as carers.
The findings were mixed, with 22 people rating their overall experience of the discharge process as negative. Many carers cited a lack of information, support, and poor communication about the process, both during the hospital stay and upon being discharged. After leaving hospital, 17 people said the support they received was poor and carers were not involved enough in planning further care.
However, some people did share details about their positive experience, often because of hospital staff, both during the hospital stay and after discharge.
The report concludes by highlighting the need for improved support for carers, better information and communication and an improved discharge process. The report is shared with various hospital in Dorset, local councils, and the Dorset Integrated Care System. The recommendations will be used to improve the Home First programme.