We will do everything we can so you can leave hospital as soon as you no longer need our care.

We will start planning as soon as you arrive

  • We will let you know when we think you will be well enough to leave
  • We will talk to you and your family, friends or carers about assessments, care or help you may need after you leave our care. This could be moving to a community hospital or care home or help in your own home.

What you should do

  • Let us know if you have a family member, friend or carer we can talk to about your care. Please let us know if there isn't anyone available.
  • Follow all advice from your doctors, nurses and therapists
  • Speak up if you have any questions or concerns at any point during your care

On the day you leave

  • We aim to discharge all patients who no longer need our hospital care by midday
  • We will move you to the Discharge Lounge, where you will wait before leaving hospital
  • You may be given medication to take away in a green bag
  • We will show you how to use any equipment you may need
  • We will send your GP a summary of your care with us

Wiltshire Carers Support

We are continually working with staff, patients, families, carers and social care colleagues to look at any extra support that is needed for a patient at home. This includes a new hospital liaison service, run by Wiltshire Carers Support, which helps carers when those they care for are in hospital, and during the first few weeks after they return home.

Further information

The above information is available in a downloadable leaflet (pictured above): Leaving Hospital leaflet.

What family, friends and carers can do to help

  • Make arrangements to be available for when you need to leave hospital
  • Make your home comfortable for your return
  • Arrange help around the home
  • Arrange transport, clothes and shoes to leave hospital in
  • Put the heating on if needed
  • Stock your home with food and any medicine you might need
  • Make sure you have keys to get in