I'm going to or leaving hospital

Going to hospital and being discharged can be stressful. It’s good to understand what support is available during this difficult time.

The NHS and Age UK have created useful guides on what to expect if you are going into or being discharged from hospital.

• Going into hospital as a patient
• Being discharged from hospital
• Age UK hospital stay information guide

We have a hospital social work team at The Royal London Hospital who support all Tower Hamlets residents, regardless of what hospital you are at. If you receive care and support from us, your care agency will let us know about your hospital admission, and we will put your care on hold until you are discharged.

If possible, let ward staff like the nurse or the therapist working with you know you have care at home which needs to restart on your first day back. They will contact the hospital social work team to alert them to your needs. Also, let them know your next of kin contact details so they can contact them too.  

If you didn’t receive care and support at home before going to hospital, but will when discharged, they will let us know. We will contact you in hospital to discuss your needs, in line with recommendations from the medical team, and ensure a safe and fully supported discharge.

The team will also plan for a safe discharge if you cannot return home immediately after you leave hospital.

Discharge plans may involve support from external community organisations.

The team will arrange care and support for four weeks. The NHS will fund this as part of your discharge plan. We will review your needs during this time and determine if you need any support afterwards.