New resources to support patients, carers, families and staff with hospital discharge

The resources, which also provide information and support for health and care professionals, support a new programme of work called Caring Steps Together, which has been established to improve people's understanding of what can sometimes be the confusing process of leaving hospital and accessing follow-up care.  

Staff from across the health and care system in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, have collaborated on the programme to provide a holistic view of a patient’s care journey, drawing on insights from professionals, patients, carers and families.  

The new resources will help support patients, their families and carers to understand the process of leaving hospital and the other services that are available to provide support in the community.

 Topics include:

• Planning your ongoing care and support after a stay in hospital - for patients who may need some additional support when they leave hospital.
• Returning home with support after a stay in hospital - for patients who will go home with new, additional or the same package of support from health and social care. This includes needing intensive support or 24-hour care.
• Further support before returning home - for patients who may need to go into residential care in the short term, such as a rehabilitation unit, community hospital, nursing or care home before returning home.
• Preparing you for intensive support in a care home - for patients who may need bed-based, 24-hour care or are returning to a care home. This includes people discharged to a care home for the first time and existing care home residents returning to their care setting.

The resources are available digitally and as printed leaflets and can be viewed and downloaded on the BSW Together website.