What is a discharge plan?
When a patient is admitted to hospital a process of planning should begin
to find out what services and support they may need when they leave.By the time they leave hospital a clear discharge plan
should be in place.This should ensure that both the patient leaving the hospital and their carer,with their permission or
where appropriate,know about the following.
1. Their medical condition.
This should include information on treatment,medication and future medical appointments.It should also include
the names of the patients GP,consultant and named nurse.
2. Servicies and support.
This
should include information on the necessary services agreed which will be in place for the patient returning home,for example,home
support,day care and community nurse.
How is a discharge planned?
If the patient needs care and supported for the first time,or if their care and support needs have changed,it
is important to make sure the correct support and services are put in place.The patient and,with their permission,their carer,should
be involved in decisions and choices about their care.If services are already in place for the patient,the main issues for
discharge planning are to make sure that services and support will continue as before.
The following key people are usually involved in the discharge planning process:
Named Nurse: Who
is main contact person while the patient is in hospital,overseeing the care provided and plans made for leaving hospital.
The Consultant:
Who decides what the medical care should be provided and when the
patient is well enough to be discharged.
Pharmacist: Who provides the medication
required for the patient and information an how and when it should be taken.
Listed are some of the other people who may be involved with the patients care.
- Hospital social worker
- Occupational therapist
- Community
psychiatric nurse
- Non statutory care orginisations
- Local care providers for example LAMH,The Richmond Fellowship and Network.
SCOTTISH
CHARITY SC 037352