Going home from hospital

We will be planning your discharge home, so please talk to us about it. It is important to help you, your carer, relatives or friends prepare for your discharge or transfer from hospital. 

Most people go home from hospital. However, if you are likely to need further care after your treatment is complete, we will discuss the choices available.

The day you are due to leave, we may move you from your ward to our discharge lounge. This is a comfortable space with hot meals, snacks and drinks. 

When you leave hospital, you will be given a discharge letter and medications.

Who decides when I can go home?

Your consultant, doctor or nurse in charge will decide when you are ready to leave our care.

Healthcare professionals will work with you and your relatives/carer to ensure your discharge is at the right time and to a safe, clinically appropriate environment.

It is our policy to give an expected date for discharge to every patient within 48 hours of admission.

What happens on the day?

You can be discharged on any day of the week including weekends and bank holidays. Where possible we will aim to discharge you by 10am.

You may be moved from the ward  and wait in the discharge lounge where you can wait before being collected by a friend or relative.

If you are waiting for medication, it can take up to four hours from the prescription being written to your medication being dispensed and sent to the discharge lounge.

What arrangements should I make before I leave?

It’s a good idea to consider:

  • Suitable transport to collect you on discharge day
  • Outdoor clothing and footwear to leave hospital
  • Access to your property, such as house keys
  • Food in the fridge and heating on at the property you are returning to

We will keep you fully informed about what to expect when you leave hospital.

If you have questions please speak to the nurse in charge of your ward.

You can also contact ourPatient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Supporting you to leave hospital

The national Discharge to Assess (D2A) scheme provides short-term funding for patients to continue their care in the community or in their own home. The scheme is delivered by third-party services, working together to support a patient’s transition from hospital to independence at home.

Kent Enablement at Home 

Kent Enablement at Home (KEaH)* is run by Kent County Council and will help you reach your preferred level of independence at home, and work with you on areas you want to focus on. This may include regaining your confidence following a fall, giving advice on preparing meals or helping you to meet your personal care needs.

The KEaH funded programme is free of charge until either you reach independence (for no longer than six weeks) or until you are identified as needing long-term care at home.

As part of the programme, KEaH will undertake an assessment. If it shows you need ongoing social care support, KEaH will discuss options with you. You may be forwarded for a financial assessment to identify any potential contribution you may need to pay towards ongoing care services.

If there is a delay finding a suitable care agency that meets your ongoing social care needs, KEaH will continue to support you until a permanent care provider is found, and will become a chargeable service during this time.

  • If you live in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley: call 03000 411066.
  • If you live in Swale: call 03000 416800.
  • If you live in Maidstone or Malling: call 03000 410444.
  • If you live in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells: call 03000 412333.
    *not available to East Sussex residents.

What happens when you are discharged from hospital

Depending on demand, you may need to wait to start the KEaH programme. In this case, a temporary service will be used to support you when you are discharged from hospital, and will bridge the gap in your care from leaving hospital.

This is known as bridging support, and means you will not be kept in hospital longer than necessary, and will be able to return home and receive care until the KEaH programme starts. Bridging support is free and the appropriate service will be selected for you, depending on your needs:

Rapid Response is a nurse-led service is delivered by the Urgent Care team from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust for patients registered with a west Kent GP, providing nursing care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offers visits by one healthcare professional up to twice a day, between 8am and 8pm.

If you are a patient who has been discharged from the Rapid Response service and have a query, contact the Rapid Response team on 0300 1231950.

Enabling Care For You (ECFY) provides clinical care services for patients at home as part of a supported discharge programme, working alongside healthcare professionals including nurses and occupational therapists.

The service provides visits by two healthcare professionals up to four times a day.

If you are a patient who has been discharged from the ECFY service and have a query, contact the ECFY team on 01732 240794 or visit the ECFY website.