What to expect when leaving hospital
Understanding what happens next can help reduce stress and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
This page explains:
- how the discharge process works
- who is involved
- what to prepare before going home
- the different care pathways available
- where to turn for extra support
Who will be involved in my discharge?
Several professionals may support your discharge planning:
- hospital discharge team - doctors, nurses, therapists, and discharge coordinators who oversee your medical care and readiness to leave
- social worker - involved if you may need support at home or with longer-term care planning
- occupational therapist or physiotherapist - assess your mobility and whether your home needs equipment or adaptations
- family or carers - with your consent, they may be consulted to help with practical arrangements
There will be a lot of different people involved in your care - all of them have the aim of getting you back home as quickly as possible. They should talk to you and your relatives about your discharge, let you know when we think you are ready to be discharged, and explain what needs to happen to get you out of hospital.
All parties work together to create a discharge plan tailored to your needs.
What happens before you leave hospital?
Before you're discharged, staff will make sure that:
- you’re medically ready - doctors will confirm that you're well enough to leave
- you have a clear discharge plan - this outlines any care, equipment, or follow-up support
- medication is provided - you’ll receive prescriptions and advice on how to take them
- your home is safe - if needed, a home visit may be arranged to identify risks or suggest equipment
- you understand your next steps - including follow-ups, therapy, home care, or GP involvement.
Tip: if anything is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask. You have the right to understand your discharge plan fully.
Preparing for your discharge
There are steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition:
- get your home ready - arrange support if you live alone
- plan your transport - non-emergency patient transport may be available if you can’t travel independently
- understand your medication - know when and how to take it. Ask for written instructions if needed
- keep emergency contacts handy - GP, pharmacist, adult social care, and trusted family or friends
It’s important that you talk to your relatives or friends and to the teams looking after you about your discharge. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s happening - the teams looking after you know how important it is that we get you home. Make sure you let us know of any support you already have - such as equipment or a carer.
Hospital discharge pathways
There are five nationally recognised discharge pathways based on the level of support you need:
| Pathway | Who is it for? | What support is provided? | What happens next? |
| Pathway 0 | You can manage independently or going home to your previous care and support plan (restart of long-term care package) | Discharge letter, medication, GP follow-up if needed. | No further support unless you request it. |
| Pathway 1 | You need short-term support at home. | Period of non-chargeable support at home pending assessment. | Reviewed to decide if ongoing care is needed. |
| Pathway 2 | You need rehab before going home. | Temporary stay in a rehab unit or intermediate care. | Return home after recovery or move to long-term care. |
| Pathway 3 | You need 24/7 care in a residential or nursing home. | Help choosing a home and understanding care costs. | Long-term placement with support from social care. |
Your multidisciplinary team will help identify the pathway that best fits your needs.
What if you need more help after leaving hospital?
Sometimes, extra help is needed once you're home. You can contact adult social care for support with:
- personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- setting up a longer-term care plan
- equipment or home adaptations
- financial assessments for care costs
- if your situation changes, don’t wait- help is available
Your rights and choices
You have the right to:
- be fully involved in your discharge plan
- refuse support if you have mental capacity
- be assessed for care and support under the care act
- challenge unsafe or rushed discharge decisions
Need more information?
Talk to your discharge coordinator or hospital social worker before leaving.
Out of borough hospitals
Contact Lewisham Adult Social Care: 020 8314 7777.