Planning for leaving hospital

From the time you arrive in hospital, we will start planning your discharge (the day you leave hospital) with you.

Research shows that people recover better at home once their treatment in hospital is complete. No-one wants to stay in hospital any longer than necessary, so we will work with you to avoid delays. It is important that we assess your needs and make sure that you will be safe and able to manage when you go home.

There are a variety of services that can support you when you leave hospital if you need them. The team caring for you will agree when you no longer need hospital care. They will always try to get you home, but they may need to look at a short-term alternative until either your condition improves or suitable help at home can be arranged.

This may include:

  • sending you home under the care of a ‘virtual ward’
  • a stay on a rehabilitation ward in a community hospital such as Alton or Andover. You will not be able to remain in hospital if you refuse to move to a rehabilitation ward.

The aim of virtual wards is to support you during your recovery from your recent illness at home or hospital stay. It enables you to be safely cared for in your own home, while remaining under the care of our virtual health hub team.

The hospital will be responsible for your care until the team are certain you have recovered enough to be managed by your GP.

Our virtual wards are run by Hampshire Hospitals’ virtual health hub team. A consultant nurse will oversee your care, with support from senior doctors specialising in your medical condition. We will give you a leaflet, including contact details, for your particular virtual ward before you leave hospital.

A nurse will contact you as needed to see how you are. They will ask how you are feeling and to describe any symptoms you may have.

If you have any questions, please feel free to discuss them with the nurse. The virtual health hub team can arrange any further follow-ups at home for you if required.

You can read more about our virtual wards here.

Please note that there are currently no rehabilitation wards on our hospital sites in Basingstoke or Winchester. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee a bed on a ward at a particular location, as this depends on what is available in the community at the time to support your needs.

Why can’t I stay in hospital until I am able to go home?

Our hospitals are designed to meet your needs while you are unwell. Staying in hospital longer than necessary is not good for you. It can put you at greater risk of hospital-acquired infections as well as reduce your ability to take care of yourself.

For further information about moving to a rehabiliation ward, please click here.

It is better to continue your recovery on a rehabilitation ward, where the team will help you to move more and increase your independence.

 

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Staying in hospital longer than needed is also not good for the NHS. Other people who are very unwell or who are waiting for surgery need to be admitted to hospital.

If the hospital does not have space to do this, we may have to keep people waiting for long periods in the emergency department or cancel their operations.

The team will also discuss when you should be assessed for any long-term care and support.

You may need to have an assessment for certain types of care, but your health and care team (adult services) will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Please note that you may need to contribute towards the cost of any care and support you need. For further information, please contact the adult health and care team at Hampshire County Council on 0300 555 1386.

This service is provided by the British Red Cross, offering practical solutions and emotional support.

It is free to anyone who has been discharged from hospital and is over the age of 18. You will need to be referred by your GP or hospital team before you leave hospital.

They can offer support for up to 12 weeks with:

✓ rebuilding confidence

✓ offering companionship

✓ assistance with shopping

✓ meal preparation

✓ help with filling in forms

✓ collecting prescriptions

✓ health visits

✓ signposting to other support agencies.

 

The service is unable to provide:

  • personal care
  • domestic assistance/cleaning
  • giving medication or changing dressings
  • acting as a substitute for other services.

 

For further information about this service, click here.

HM Government policy

All of Hampshire Hospitals’ advice on leaving hospital is based on HM Government policy and information. Click on the buttons below to read more:

Helping you home

Hear from Sara Courtney, Deputy Chief Nurse at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight about how you can prepare to leave hospital:

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