Healthwatch Lambeth is inviting patients and unpaid carers to share their experiences of leaving hospital.

The survey is part of a nationwide Healthwatch England project examining hospital discharge. Healthwatch Lambeth is particularly seeking responses from people living in Lambeth who have experienced a difficult hospital discharge within the past 12 months.

This may include situations where:

• Discharge was delayed.
• The patient was sent home before they felt ready.
• Information about the discharge was unclear or incomplete.
• Essential equipment or support was not available.
• Follow-up care had not been properly arranged.
• An unpaid carer was not sufficiently involved, informed or prepared.

The survey can be completed by patients themselves or by an unpaid carer describing the experience of someone they care for.

Healthwatch Lambeth is especially interested in hearing from people whose experiences may not always be represented in health and care feedback, including men and people from ethnic minority communities.

Hospital discharge can place significant responsibility on families and unpaid carers. When carers are not recognised, involved or given the right information, they may suddenly find themselves managing medication, personal care, appointments and recovery without adequate preparation.

Sharing these experiences can help identify what needs to improve and highlight the importance of involving carers as genuine partners throughout discharge planning.

Take part in the survey:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/hwlambeth

You can also scan the QR code on the accompanying Healthwatch Lambeth flyer.

For further information, contact Healthwatch Lambeth:

Email: info@healthwatchlambeth.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7274 8522

Please share this survey with Lambeth residents, patients and unpaid carers who may have had a difficult hospital discharge experience during the past year.