01
Discharge information
Confirm the expected date and time, destination, transport and who will be present on arrival.
Advice And Resources
Questions to answer before returning home
A discharge date is only one part of going home safely. Use this checklist to confirm who is responsible for medication, equipment, care, transport, food, access and follow-up.
For
People leaving hospital, families and discharge professionals
You'll learn
Check that practical arrangements are in place before the person returns home.
Sections
12 covered
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0115 681 2514
02
Ask for the discharge summary, medication information, follow-up appointments and emergency advice.
Know which hospital or community contact should answer questions after discharge.
03
Medication
Check the current list, doses, timings, changes and medicines supplied on discharge.
04
Clarify who will prompt, assist or administer and what happens if a dose is missed or refused.
Confirm time-critical medicines, allergies, storage and pharmacy arrangements.
05
Equipment and mobility
Confirm that required equipment has arrived, fits the home and has instructions.
06
Check moving-and-handling guidance, number of staff and safe access to bed, chair, toilet and bathroom.
Know who to contact about an equipment fault.
07
The home
Arrange keys or access, heating, lighting, clear pathways, food, drinks, continence supplies and a working telephone.
08
Consider fire safety, pets, stairs, infection risks and who will manage shopping or household essentials.
Care and support
09
Confirm the provider, first visit, visit times, tasks, contact details and what family members have agreed to do.
Share relevant assessments and ensure the person knows who is coming and why.
10
Do not assume care is confirmed until the provider has accepted the package.
Health follow-up
11
Record GP, district nurse, therapy, clinic and other appointments.
Know the signs that require 111, the GP, the clinical team or 999.
12
Arrange an early care review if needs are uncertain or changing.
Answers
Frequently asked questions.
Who is responsible for making discharge safe?+
Hospital and community professionals, the person, family and providers each have responsibilities. These should be explicit rather than assumed.
Can MoreLoved Care confirm support before the assessment?+
No. We can review the request, but acceptance requires enough information, capacity and safe arrangements.
What if equipment has not arrived?+
The affected care task may be unsafe. Contact the responsible professional or equipment service and inform the care provider immediately.
What if medication on discharge differs from the previous list?+
Use the current authorised discharge information and obtain clarification from the responsible prescriber or pharmacy. Care staff must not guess.
When should I call 999?+
Call 999 for immediate danger or serious symptoms such as collapse, severe breathlessness, suspected stroke, severe bleeding or unresponsiveness.
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