Discharge from Hospital: Phase 3 Final Follow-up
Summary of report content
In this report, Healthwatch Cheshire East share the final phase of its three-part review of hospital discharge from Leighton Hospital. The report revisited patients who had taken part in earlier phases to understand how they felt about the discharge process several weeks or months after leaving hospital. Nine patients, or family members on their behalf, took part in the final interviews.
Most participants felt the discharge process had been helpful and reported that follow-up appointments had taken place as expected. However, recurring concerns remained around communication, discharge planning and support after leaving hospital. Patients described a lack of named contacts following discharge, uncertainty about what services would happen next, inconsistent rehabilitation support and long waits in the discharge lounge. The report also highlighted the emotional impact of returning home after illness or major surgery and the importance of involving people in decisions about care settings.
Recommendations focused on improving communication, discharge information, rehabilitation planning and continuity of support. Responses from Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire East Council and the Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP) welcomed the findings and outlined how they would inform future discharge and Home First improvement work.