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Hospital discharge and care planning

Discharge from hospital can happen quickly, and carers often need to speak up early to make sure the right support is in place at home.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

Hospitals are expected to plan discharge with the patient and, where relevant, their carer, ideally from soon after admission rather than at the last minute.

What should happen

  • Hospital staff should ask whether the patient has a carer and involve that carer in discharge planning, with the patient's consent.
  • You can ask for a discharge to be delayed if you feel the home is not ready, or if agreed support has not been arranged.
  • Ask about a discharge to assess process, where longer-term needs are assessed after a short period of support at home, rather than in a hospital bed.

Questions to ask before discharge

It helps to ask specific questions rather than general ones, since discharge can be arranged quickly and details can be missed.

  • What equipment, medication and follow-up appointments are arranged, and who is providing them?
  • Who do we contact if something goes wrong in the first 48 hours at home?
  • Has a carer's assessment been offered, given the new or increased caring role?

Checklist

  • Ask to be involved in discharge planning as soon as possible after admission.
  • Ask for a written discharge summary including medication changes and follow-up.
  • Check that equipment and home care visits are actually booked, not just recommended.
  • Ask about a carer's assessment if your caring role has increased because of the discharge.
  • Get a clear emergency contact number for the first days after discharge.
  • Raise concerns with the ward or discharge team if you feel discharge is happening too soon.

Common mistakes

  • Not being told about a discharge date until very close to it.
  • Assuming services mentioned by hospital staff have automatically been booked.
  • Not asking for written information about new medications or care needs.
  • Not requesting a carer's assessment when caring responsibilities suddenly increase.

Organisations that can help