Community

It can be a challenging time if the person you care for is in hospital.

Edinburgh CHP has prepared a booklet for carers called ‘Leaving Hospital’ that explains how relatives and carers can become involved in making arrangements for when the person they care for leaves hospital. Making such arrangements is called ‘discharge planning’.

If a patient needs a range of support or services once they leave hospital, this is often called a ‘complex discharge’. This is because a number of different professionals may need to be involved in discussions about arrangements to be put in place for when they leave hospital.

You can download the ‘Leaving Hospital’ booklet here. If you would like a printed copy, please call: 0131 536 3371.

Top tips for getting involved in discharge planning:

• Ask the charge nurse who is responsible for making discharge arrangements for the person you care for
• Make sure this person knows what care you can give the patient once they leave hospital.
• Check what other services are being recommended for when the patient leaves hospital
• Ask about any medication that will be needed, and what side-effects it may have
• Ask for training for using any aids and equipment that will be provided.