Discharge from hospital - Phase 1: pre-discharge
Download (PDF 417.43 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Cheshire spoke to 26 patients at Leighton Hospital while discharge arrangements were being discussed or finalised. Patients were generally very positive about the care they received on the wards, particularly the kindness and dedication of staff. However, experiences of discharge planning were more mixed, with communication, timing and clarity of information emerging as key issues.
Most patients felt ready to leave hospital and were aware of planned support after discharge. However, written information was rarely provided, discharge plans were sometimes confirmed late or changed unexpectedly, and some patients remained uncertain about care packages, transport arrangements, or what to expect in a new care setting.
Key Findings
- 25 of 26 patients had been told about the discharge process, but information was often provided shortly before discharge.
- Most patients felt prepared to leave hospital (24 of 26), although some still had concerns about mobility, care arrangements or discharge destinations.
- 22 of 26 patients reported receiving no written discharge information.
- Family members and carers played a significant role in discharge planning for many patients.
- Occupational therapists or physiotherapists were involved in most cases (23 of 26), though some patients still felt rehabilitation needs had not been fully addressed.
- Patients being discharged to care homes often felt they had insufficient information about the destination facility.
- Delays and uncertainty around transport and discharge lounge stays negatively affected some patients' experiences.
Conclusion
The report concludes that ward-based care at Leighton Hospital was viewed positively, but discharge planning could be improved through clearer communication, more timely information, better coordination of support arrangements, and greater involvement of patients and families. Healthwatch highlighted the importance of ensuring people understand what will happen after discharge and feel confident about the support available once they leave hospital.