If the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, you have the right to be involved in planning their discharge.

Remaining in a hospital is not the best place to fully recover. Staying in hospital longer than needed can reduce a person’s ability to stay independent, this is called deconditioning. It also exposes them to additional risks of infection.

Hospitals should not send someone home until it is safe, appropriate, and the right support is in place, however the decision to send someone home can feel quick. Often, hospitals complete a full assessment of the person’s needs once they are at home, or in another recovery setting, to establish what ongoing support they will need.

What this means for you:

  • The hospital team should involve you in discharge discussions and check whether you are willing and able to provide care after they return home

  • You should receive clear information about medication, equipment, ongoing care needs, and follow-up appointments

  • If extra support is required, the hospital should coordinate with social care or community health teams before discharge

  • In Dorset, a discharge assessment is carried out before someone leaves hospital. If support is needed, a Discharge to Assess (D2A) form is completed to arrange the right care

How to use this right:

  • Tell hospital staff early that you are the carer, give your contact details, and explain how involved you want to be

  • Ask to be included in discharge planning meetings and be honest about what you can manage

  • Ask to be issued a Hospital Carer Passport to help staff recognise your role. Carer Passports in Dorset can offer flexible visiting and inclusion in care. This video explains how a Carer Passport scheme in your hospital could benefit you

Tip: Keep important details together in a Carers Journal or complete in advance and share a This Is Me’ document if the person you care for has communication difficulties. These tools help staff understand the person you care for needs.

If you feel your right to be consulted when the person you care for is being discharged from hospital is not being met, you can contact:

Raise your concerns with the ward staff or the hospital’s Patient Experience, Advice and Complaints Teams:

Dorset County Hospital
Call: 0800 783 8058
Email: patientexperience@dchft.nhs.uk
Carer information

University Hospitals Dorset
(Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals)
Tel: 0300 019 8714
Email: uhd.carersupport@nhs.net
Carer support service

Community Hospitals and Mental Health Inpatient Units
Tel: 0800 587 4997
Email: dhc.pals@nhs.net
PALS and complaints – Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust

If you prefer to speak to somebody about your concerns, the two main carer support services in Dorset and their team of carers advisors are here for you:

More information on support for carers in Dorset generally: Carers – Our Dorset

For more information on your rights as a carer visit: Carers Rights Day | Carers UK

If you are a young carer, you may be interested in visiting this website which talks about your rights specifically: Know Your Rights: A Guide for Young Carers and don’t forget MyTime are here for you in Dorset: MYTIME Young Carers