Going Home Patient experiences of leaving hospital (discharge)

Healthwatch Bucks undertook research about patients’ experience of being discharged from hospital to find out what was going well and what needs to be improved. They undertook a survey during the period December 2019 to February 2020 to which 31 people responded.

Most patients had stayed at Stoke Manderville Hospital and had an unplanned stay.  Around half needed care at home after discharge. Only five already received care at home before their hospital stay.  Most did not know how long they had to stay in hospital.

The research also looks at what information and support people were given on discharge from hospital, including information to manage their conditions, how much notice they were given of discharge and if they would need follow-up contact.  People who were given care after discharge reported having a poorer experience.

There were 8 recommendations about improving discharge processes.