Hospital Discharge Report 2015

People should not be discharged from the hospital unless they are medically fit and signed off by a named doctor (DoH 2010; DoH 2003). Hospital discharge is a process that needs to be done timely and safely. If this process is done too early there is an increased risk of re-admission and unsafe discharge. Similarly, if the patient overstays (delayed discharge) it can increase the risk for infection, causing depression, frustration as well as lack of confidence and dependency (DoH, 2010). This is why we need effective discharge planning.

Every hospital has a discharge policy in place – the Manor Hospital complies with the Transfer of care policy and the DoH document called ‘Ready to Go’ (DoH 2010). The Department of Health has outlined 10 key principles to achieve a safe and timely discharge process listed in Table 1. These principles are based on a person-centred approach, treating individuals with dignity and respect. The patient and their carers are provided with information and are involved at all stages of the discharge process and make informed choices.