In response to a new report on hospital discharge by the patient watchdog, Healthwatch England, entitled Safely Home: What happens when people leave hospitals and care settings?, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, the older people’s charity, said:
“The ‘revolving door’ approach to hospital discharge is letting patients down. The report shows this is not just bad for patients but also for the system as a whole, with huge financial implications. The process can be confusing for older people and their families as they’re often asked to make complex and difficult decisions when they’re already under considerable pressure. It can be challenging for patients to find out what their options are and to know who to ask, especially for those who do not have family or friends to support them. With two-thirds of readmitted patients returning to hospital within a week, we need to start making changes now.”