If your health care team feel you are well enough, and it is safe to do so, you will be discharged. In most cases you can go home, but if you need more complex care we will arrange discharge to another service. It is important that we plan with you to ensure you leave hospital in a safe and timely manner.
We will arrange any appropriate referrals to adult services or to the community depending on what has been identified that you need.
Discharge home
Once you are feeling better, recovery will be faster back in the comfort of your own home. We will do our best to keep you informed about your care during your stay, and this includes when you will be well enough to go home.
Why can’t I stay in hospital?
It is important that our hospitals are able to look after people that need hospital care. If your healthcare team decide you no longer need to be cared for in hospital, we will discharge you. Our priority is to always discharge you to the best possible place to support your recovery.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to remain in hospital if you choose not to accept the onward care that is being offered to you.
What can I expect?
Your healthcare team will discuss discharge and transport arrangements with you, we will involve carers and family and/or friends in this if you wish. If you require care and support when you get home, this will be arranged.
Will I need to pay for my care?
Provision of care in your own home (not a care home)
If you need more care now than when you came into hospital this additional care will be provided free of charge until the review of care needs takes place, which will usually be within a few days of discharge. Ongoing or long-term funding is not guaranteed.
Patient discharge lounge
You may be asked to stay in our patient discharge lounge while you wait for your medication or for relatives to take you home. Once home, if you are concerned about your medication, please call the ward you were discharged from or the patient medicine helpline: 01444 454 388.
Prepare for discharge
- Speak to our staff about your care plan after discharge
- Include relatives and friends in the conversation – can they offer support to you once you are home?
- What extra help might you need at home, such as help with shopping?
Discharge to another place of care
If your healthcare team agree that you are well enough to leave hospital and it is safe to do so, we will discharge you home or to an alternative care setting based on your identified needs.
Why can’t I stay in hospital?
Staying in hospital for longer than necessary may reduce your independence, result in you losing muscle strength or expose you to infection. Leaving hospital when you are ready is not only best for you but will free up a bed for someone who is very unwell.
Our priority is to ensure you are in the right place for the best recovery possible. This may be in a community bed which can best meet your needs or If you are a care home resident this will most likely be your care home. If a new placement is identified as required, the discharge team or adult services will support you and your family with finding an appropriate placement which can meet your needs.
Information for support persons
Who can I contact
After you have been discharged from us, if you have any concerns or need to speak with us about your care, please get in touch.
Contact us
Worthing Hospital
01903 205111
Ext. 86540
St Richard’s Hospital
01243 788122
Ext. 35398
Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal Hospital
01273 696955
Ext. 63221