Patients and carers are being asked to share their experiences of leaving hospital.
Healthwatch Worcestershire has launched a survey to find out what is working well and where discharge arrangements could be improved.
The watchdog wants to hear from people who have recently been discharged, as well as their families and carers, about whether they felt ready to leave, were involved in decisions and received the information and support they needed afterwards.
SIGNS: Healthwatch wants to know what is working well and what isn’t (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)
Victoria Walsh, chief officer for external business affairs at Healthwatch Worcestershire, said: “Every experience of leaving hospital is different, and we want to hear yours.
“What patients and carers tell us will help highlight what works well and where things could be better.”
Hayley Flavell, chief nursing officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said getting patients out of hospital safely and promptly once they no longer needed acute care was important both for the individual and other patients needing beds.
She said: “Understanding people’s experience of being discharged from our hospitals will help us to see more clearly where our discharge processes are working well and where we have opportunities for further improvement.”
Scott Parker, director of operations and transformation at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said a positive discharge can make “a real difference” to a patient’s recovery and wellbeing.
NHS in Worcestershire ‘failing’ says chair of health committee
Worcestershire NHS trust shortlisted for mental health safety award
This is when NHS bosses say corridor care will end in Worcestershire hospitals
He added: “We welcome this survey as an opportunity to understand what is working well and where we can continue to improve our discharge support and processes.”
Healthwatch is also asking community organisations, voluntary groups and other organisations across Worcestershire to promote the survey to help it reach people from a range of communities.
Paper copies are available, while Healthwatch staff can visit local groups to help people who would prefer to share their experiences in person.
The survey closes on Friday, November 13.
You can access it via www.healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk or Healthwatch Worcestershire’s Facebook page.