If you need to go to hospital – for planned treatment or in an emergency – we can help you get ready and make sure you're supported when you come home.
Before going into hospital
It helps to prepare early, especially if you have existing care support from the council.
It can be useful to make a plan with family, friends or the people who support you to:
- let us know if you already receive care
- make a list of support you get (like meals, personal care, mobility help)
- arrange care for any children or pets
- ensure bills are paid while you're away
- ask someone to check on your home or pick up post.
Leaving hospital
Your hospital team will plan your discharge early to make sure you have the support you need.
If they think you need extra help they will refer you to our Brent Hospital Discharge Team.
The discharge team will work with you to create a care and support plan that meets your needs. We can include your family or carers if you would like them to be involved.
Your plan will include:
- the care and treatment you’ll get at home
- who’s responsible for your care and how to contact them
- what kind of help you'll get and how often
We know it can be hard to make decisions about ongoing care while you're still in hospital. That's why we aim to:
- help you leave the hospital quickly and safely with the right short-term care
- continue talking about long-term care once you're settled at home
- work with hospital staff to avoid delays to your discharge
You won’t be kept in hospital longer than you need to be. If you can’t return home safely straight away, we’ll help you find somewhere else for your recovery, such as temporary care or supported accommodation.
If necessary, we’ll arrange short-term (interim) care to support you while permanent arrangements are being made.
Support after leaving hospital
Once you've left hospital, you may be offered an assessment of your ongoing care and support needs. This helps us understand what kind of help you need to stay safe and well at home.
The NHS has more information about what happens when you leave hospital (discharge).