Going Home After Hospital

A good discharge plan makes everything easier. These are the conversations to have with your ward team before you go home.

1. Ask for a written discharge summary and care plan

   Before you leave, ask the ward staff for a written discharge summary explaining your diagnosis, the treatment you received, and what follow-up care you need. This letter goes to your GP and is essential for continuity of care. Keep a copy for yourself.

2. Make sure you have enough medication to last until your GP appointment Important

   Hospitals should provide at least 7 days' supply of any new or changed medication when you're discharged. Check this before you leave. Ask for a prescription if you need more, and book a GP appointment as soon as you're home to arrange ongoing prescriptions.

3. Ask if you need a community care assessment

   If you'll need support at home — help with washing, dressing, meals, or mobility — you're entitled to ask for a community care needs assessment from the local authority. This should ideally be arranged before you leave. Ask the ward social worker if this applies to you.

4. Arrange transport home and someone to be with you if possible

   Arriving home alone after a hospital stay can feel disorienting. If you can, arrange for a family member, friend, or carer to collect you and spend the first few hours with you. If you have no one, tell the ward — they can link you with volunteer discharge support.

The NHS doesn't stop when you leave the ward. Understanding what ongoing support you're entitled to helps you heal properly — and ask for what you need.

1. Book a follow-up GP appointment within the first week

   Your GP should receive your discharge letter and can arrange ongoing prescriptions, district nurse visits, and referrals to community services. Book an appointment in the first week — don't wait until you feel unwell.

2. Understand your outpatient appointments and follow-up care

   Check that your outpatient appointment letters have been sent or that you know when to expect them. If you haven't heard within 2–3 weeks, contact the hospital's outpatient booking team. Missing follow-up appointments can slow your recovery significantly.

3. Access district nursing and community health services

   District nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists can visit you at home if you're unable to travel. Your GP can refer you, or you can ask for a direct referral from the hospital before discharge.

If your illness or surgery has affected your ability to manage independently, you don't have to struggle alone. There is practical support available.

1. Request a home care assessment from your local council

   If you need help with personal care, cooking, or household tasks, you can request a needs assessment from the local authority under the Care Act 2014. Contact Wolverhampton City Council's Adult Social Care team. The assessment is free and you may be eligible for funded care.

   Wolverhampton adult social care (opens in new tab)
2. Ask about home adaptations and equipment

   Occupational therapists can assess your home and recommend adaptations — grab rails, raised toilet seats, stair rails — to help you move safely. Many adaptations are provided free or at low cost through the council's Disabled Facilities Grant scheme.

   Disabled Facilities Grant (opens in new tab)
3. Find support for your carer

   If a family member or friend is looking after you, they are a carer and they have their own rights to support. Carers UK provides advice, and the council can provide a carer's assessment to identify what help they need too.

   Carers UK — support for carers (opens in new tab)

Illness and hospitalisation can affect your ability to work and your finances. A number of benefits exist specifically to support people in your situation.

1. Claim Statutory Sick Pay or Employment and Support Allowance

   If you're employed and too ill to work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer. If you're not employed or SSP has run out, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit provides income support during illness.

   Employment and Support Allowance (opens in new tab)
2. Apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

   If your condition is expected to affect your daily living or mobility for at least 3 months, you may be entitled to PIP. It doesn't matter whether you're in or out of work. Citizens Advice can help you apply.

   Personal Independence Payment (opens in new tab)
3. Check whether you qualify for free prescriptions

   Many people are entitled to free NHS prescriptions — including those on certain benefits, those with specific medical conditions (on the medical exemption list), and those with a pre-payment certificate if you have multiple prescriptions. Ask your GP or pharmacist.

   Free prescription eligibility (opens in new tab)

Recovering from a serious illness or surgery isn't just physical. It's common to feel anxious, low, or uncertain about the future. These feelings are valid — and support is available.

1. Talk to someone about how you're feeling

   Post-hospital anxiety and depression are very common — especially after a serious illness, surgery, or a long stay. Tell your GP if you're struggling. NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) is free and you can self-refer.

   NHS Talking Therapies — self-refer (opens in new tab)
2. Connect with condition-specific peer support

   There are excellent peer support organisations for almost every condition — from cardiac events (British Heart Foundation) to cancer (Macmillan), stroke (Stroke Association), and many more. Talking to people who've been through the same thing is uniquely helpful.

   Macmillan support (cancer) (opens in new tab)