What services do hospitals provide?
Going home after a hospital stay can also feel daunting, particularly if you are learning to manage new symptoms. The hospital can work with you to develop a ‘discharge plan’ which considers your health and social care once you leave hospital. For example, it may look at whether you need any adaptations to your home or if you need more community based health care support. You can ask for family, friends or carers to be involved in this. If you are concerned you will not be able to cope when you are discharged, raise this with the nurse in charge. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can ask to discuss matters with the consultant. Alternatively, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (known as PALS) who should be able to help – the hospital’s switchboard can give you the number. When it is time to go home you may want to check issues such as the transport arrangements for getting you home; that your GP has been informed; that you have been provided with the ne
