Going Home Support
Date issued: November 2024
Review: November 2026
Ref: C-510/MD/Corporate/Going Home leaflet v2
PDF: Going home leaflet.pdf [pdf] 241KB
Welcome to your Going Home Leaflet
We hope your hospital experience has been a pleasant and comfortable one. Our staff aim is to ensure all patients feel safe, respected, and informed whilst in our care. This leaflet has been developed to help support your discharge whilst you recuperate at home.
We want to make sure you had the best possible care whilst an inpatient with us, it is important you tell us how we performed during your inpatient stay. The Friends and Family Test is a questionnaire that you might have already completed whilst on the ward prior to being discharged. If you have already completed the Friends and Family Test, thank you, if you have not completed the question but would like to leave feedback, please follow the link below or scan the QR code. Alternatively, if you would like a paper copy of the questionnaire sent to your home address please telephone the Patient Services department, 01752 439884 and ask for a paper version to be sent out.
Complete the Friends and Family Test questionnaire
About discharge
Once you are well enough, you will be discharged from hospital. This simply means that the doctors and nurses looking after you, feel you no longer need to stay in hospital and will be able to cope at home.
Many hospital discharges are straight forward and require little or no change to the patient’s lifestyle, home environment and care needs. However, some patients may go through significant changes after an accident or period of illness and may require additional help once they leave hospital.
The Discharge Lounge
The Discharge Lounge is located on Level 3 in the Terence Lewis Building. It is staffed throughout the day with nurses, carers and volunteers to look after you during the last few hours of your stay in hospital. The Discharge Lounge also provides a nice environment for you to wait for medications, family, a taxi or (if appropriate) hospital transport. There is parking available just outside the entrance on Level 3 specifically for the Discharge Lounge to allow family or friends to pick you up.
Your Medicines
Your medicines will be delivered to you whilst you are in the Discharge Lounge. If this does not happen, please speak to a member of staff as the late arrival of your medicine may delay your discharge.
Your medications will be discussed with you, and we will explain how they should be taken, as well as any common side effects that you should watch out for.
You should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible after leaving hospital to obtain a further supply of any prescribed medications (if needed). Your GP will also update your medical notes and ensure that your medications are reviewed. If you need additional information about your medications, you can contact your local pharmacist for a medicines check-up and review.
Contact your GP first
You can also get lots of advice from the NHS website www.nhs.uk or if you do not have access to the internet then further help can be found in the general section of this leaflet.
Patient reminder checklist
Be aware of signs of health deterioration and how to manage them. Ask your nurse before you leave hospital if you are unsure.
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If you are admitted regularly to hospital for the same health issue, please ensure you are referred to a specialist service to help you self-manage your condition.
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Make an appointment with your GP to review your discharge letter and medications list (if needed).
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Contact your local pharmacist if you need more advice regarding your medications.
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Ensure you have made a note in your calendar of any follow-up appointments or investigations booked for you.
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If you have not heard back from the hospital regarding future appointments, contact the relevant department to ensure this is corrected as soon as possible.
What happens next?
You may receive a phone call in the next few days from a member of the Wellbeing Team, which is made up of specially trained hospital volunteers. This call is to ensure that your recovery is on track and to see that you are ok. The Wellbeing Team can help you get advice that may aid your recovery. Please note that the volunteers are not clinically trained and cannot answer any medical questions.
Am I at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, leading to partial or complete blockage of a vein. If the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs it can block important lung arteries, causing a PE.
Your risk of developing DVT increases:
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If your leg is immobilised by a cast.
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If you have had surgery or a fracture, particularly to your hip or leg.
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With age (if you are over 60 years old).
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If you have a medical illness, such as heart or chest disease, cancer or are undergoing cancer treatments.
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In pregnancy or if you have recently given birth
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If you are immobile.
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With hormone treatment, including the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
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If you have a personal or family history of DVT or PE.
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With dehydration.
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If you are overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30kg/m2.
Common signs of DVT or PE include:
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Hotness
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Pain
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Tenderness and swelling (often in the calf)
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Breathlessness
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Chest pain
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Collapse
You should seek medical advice immediately if you develop symptoms of DVT or PE, prompt treatment can save lives.
How can I reduce my risk?
You can reduce your risk of developing DVT or PE by:
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Drinking plenty of water and staying well-hydrated
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Being as mobile as possible and exercising your legs
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Maintaining a healthy body weight.
Some patients are advised to continue wearing anti- thrombosis stockings or given treatment until they have returned to their normal level of mobility.
If you have been given treatment to continue at home, it is important to complete the full course.
Remove stockings if they cause discomfort or skin damage and tell your GP.
General
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS can offer you on-the-spot advice and information when you have queries or concerns regarding University Hospitals Plymouth services or the care you or your loved one have received. They will listen to your concerns and help you find ways of resolving them. You can also pass on a compliment or praise to staff members or teams.
Phone: 01752 439884
Email: plh-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Visit the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The Advocacy People
The Advocacy People can help and advice when decisions are being made for and about a person who lacks capacity to make their own decisions, a person is deprived of their liberty, a persons’ needs are being assessed and their care planned. If you need help to understand your care, please get in touch.
Phone: 0330 4409000
Email: info@theadvocacypeople.org.uk
LiveWell Southwest
LiveWell Southwest support people to lead independent, healthy lives in the community, in which they live.
Livewell Southwests main base is at the Local Care Centre, Mount Gould, Plymouth. However, their services also function out of a range of sites within Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon.
Phone: 01752 435502
Email: customerservicespch@nhs.net
Visit LiveWell Southwest community health support
Improving Lives Plymouth
Improving Lives Plymouth run information, advice, and support services for people with disabilities and long- term health conditions and their carers.
Phone: 01752 201766
Email: ilp@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
Visit Improving Lives Plymouth
Community Connections Plymouth (Plymouth CC)
Community Connections Plymouth can introduce people to the services that can help.
Phone: 01752 668000
Email: communityconnections@plymouth.gov.uk
Visit Community Connections Plymouth
Armed Forces and Veterans
Defence Medical Welfare Service
Defence Medical Welfare Service are an independent charity providing medical welfare to the armed forces, veterans, NHS staff, emergency services, The Merchant Navy, and their immediate family.
Phone: Rachel 07785 614831 or Matt 07795 677351
Email: rhembury@dmws.org.uk or mjackson@dmws.org.uk
Visit the Defence Medical Welfare Service
SSAFA
SSAFA can provide support to Armed Forces and Veterans and their families.
Phone: 0204 566 9131 or 0800 260 6767
Email: southwest.region@ssafa.org.uk
Visit the SSAFA armed forces charity
Royal British Legion
Royal British Legion can provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
Phone: 0808 8028080
Email: info@britishlegion.org.uk
Visit the Royal British Legion
Emotional and Mental Health
LiveWell South West
LiveWell South West support people to lead independent, healthy lives in the community, in which they live. Plymouth Options are part of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program and offer brief evidenced based psychological therapies for people experiencing common mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression.
Phone: 01752 435419
Email: livewell.plymouthoptions@nhs.net
Visit Plymouth Options psychological therapies
DevonMIND
DevonMIND can provide support for you no matter what your mental health problems may be, there is always a way that they can support you.
Phone: 01752 512280
Email: hello@devonmind.com
Visit Devon Mind mental health support
Jeremiah's Journey
Jeremiah's Journey can help children and their families from Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area with support when they have experienced or are anticipating the death of someone special.
Phone: 01752 424348
Email: hello@jeramiahsjourney.org.uk
Visit Jeremiah's Journey children's bereavement support
Samaritans
The Samaritans are there, day or night, for anyone who is struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
RVS are there to help people keep leading independent, healthy, and happy lives, by offering a helping hand where it is needed. Their volunteers offer practical support by taking care of the things the people they serve are less able to do for themselves, like shopping or getting to and from social activities.
Visit the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
Shout
Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text: 85258
Food and Welfare
Plymouth Community Meals
Plymouth Community Meals are a friendly award-winning delivery service, there aim is to support you in maintaining your independence in your own home with their great nutritious lunchtime meals.
Phone: 01752 305140 or 01752 668000
Visit Plymouth Community Meals
Plymouth Food Bank
If you call or email the Plymouth foodbank they can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
Phone: 01752 254981
Email: info@plymouth.foodbank.org.uk
Plymouth PIE Club
Plymouth PIE Club offers a wraparound service to the most vulnerable in the city. These services include hot, nutritious meals delivered to your home by one of their volunteers.
Weekly befriending calls to those who are alone and isolated. Prescription collection and shopping.
Phone: 07983697866
Email: plymouthpieclub@gmail.com
Plymouth Pie Club community service
Older People and Dementia
Age UK Plymouth
Age UK Plymouth exists to care for and work with older people and their carers in and around the Plymouth area to improve their quality of life through the promotion of choice, opportunity, and independence.
Phone: 01752 256020
Email: enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk
Elder Tree in Plymouth
Elder Tree Befriending has developed a unique and innovative partnership with Plymouth City Council, Livewell Southwest and Primary Care and provides a cutting-edge befriending service for vulnerable and socially isolated people over the age of 50.
Phone: 01752 227447
Email: admin@eldertreebefriending.co.uk
Visit Elder Tree befriending service
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society are a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia.
Phone: 0333 1503456
