Guiding You Home: Feedback from relatives/friends on hospital discharge arrangements February 2026
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Between January and February 2026, Healthwatch South Tyneside conducted a survey in partnership with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and Healthwatch Sunderland. The survey asked relatives and friends of hospital patients what care and support they would like to see in place to help them return home rather than go into a care home, as well as what type of support and reassurance carers would need to help them support their relative/friend going home after a period in hospital. A total of 29 people completed the survey.
Overall, the data suggested that people felt their friend/relative were best cared for at home, provided there was sufficient support in place for the patient and their unpaid carers. Communication and increased support to enable a return home were key themes emerging from the survey data.
The report including recommendations and the findings were sent to the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.