Intermediate Care Insights: Patients’ and carers’ experiences of step-down care access and provision in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea
Download (PDF 550.13 KB)Summary of report content
This report from Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch Kensington and Chelsea provides insight into patients' and carers' experiences with intermediate care. It focuses on short-term intensive support, especially post-hospitalisation care where patients are regaining independence after time in hospital.
The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, including patients, carers, and a community professional, referred by local organizations such as Age UK and the British Red Cross. The interviews focused on themes such as discharge processes, communication, and care quality.
The report found that while the quality of step-down care services was generally positive, issues with poor communication, inconsistent care, and challenges during the discharge process caused significant difficulties for patients and carers. Carers frequently took on advocacy roles to navigate the system, with many reporting mental strain and inadequate support.
The report makes several recommendations including better communication between services, more involvement of patients and carers in decision-making, tailored support for carers, and improved consistency in care delivery.