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Going home

Leaving hospital is sometimes called being discharged. Before you go home, we’ll make sure you have the information, support and care you need to continue your recovery safely.

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After you leave hospital

When you are discharged, you’ll be referred back to your GP for ongoing care if you need it. Your GP is part of a wider primary care team, which includes professionals such as district nurses, practice nurses and health visitors.

If you need support from any of these team members, your hospital team will arrange a referral.

Nursing care at home

If you need nursing care at home, your hospital nurse will contact the district nursing team before you leave.

You’ll also be given a letter to hand to the district nurse when they visit.

A member of the district nursing team will usually contact you within 24 hours of your discharge, unless other arrangements have been made.

Information for health visitors and practice nurses

Any information for your health visitor will be passed on by the hospital’s nursing liaison team.

You may also be asked to make an appointment with the practice nurse at your GP surgery for follow-up care.

If you need to contact your district nurse or health visitor yourself, please call your GP surgery — community nurses work closely with your GP and can be reached this way.

Your care plan and ongoing treatment

Before you leave hospital, staff will explain your personal care plan. This plan sets out the treatment, support and advice you’ll receive after discharge.

If you need ongoing physiotherapy, rehabilitation or other specialist support, your hospital team will either:

  • arrange appointments at the hospital, or
  • send a referral to the community service for follow-up care.

Non-emergency patient transport (NEPTS)

Most people travel to and from hospital independently, using private or public transport, or with help from family or friends.

NHS-funded patient transport is only available when it is essential for your safety, mobility, condition management or recovery.

Please note that NEPTS is a very busy service, and journeys can take time to arrange. It is often quicker to travel with the help of friends, family or local voluntary transport services.

What information will I need to book a NEPTS journey?

The patient line is 01245 951205 and open between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.

When calling to book a journey, you will need the following information ready:

  • Your NHS number (how to find your NHS number)
  • GP practice name and postcode
  • Title, surname and forename
  • Date of birth
  • Telephone number (yours or next of kins)

You will then be screened for eligibility in line with Integrated Care Board (ICB) guidelines.

If eligible we will then ask you for:

  • Home postcode and address
  • Date and time the transport is required
  • Mobility including any moving and handling issues
  • Your height and weight
  • Pick up and drop off locations including postcodes
  • Name of person making the booking and relationship to the patient
  • Medical issues
  • Belongings and equipment: You may bring one bag of personal items, one bag of medicines, and one walking frame. For health and safety reasons, NEPTS cannot transport large items or equipment such as commodes or oxygen cylinders. A wheelchair can only be transported if you are travelling in it.
  • Access to your home: Please let us know about access arrangements, such as whether someone will be at home, if there is a key-safe (and its code), or if stretcher or carry chair access is needed for stairs or steps.
  • You may be asked questions depending on whether you have travelled with us previously.