Hospital discharge

Hello Nina A 

I am sorry to hear that Mum has recently been admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cancer. It sounds like it’s been a really worrying time seeing her health change in such a short space of time. I’m really glad you’ve got in touch with you trying to arrange the support you feel would be best for Mum. It’s understandable you would want Mum to be discharged with support that meets the needs and where she will be based where loved ones can visit.

Have you spoken to the discharge/hospital team about having found this nursing home who have availability? And your concerns that the care home, as suggested, would not have the right level of support may I check? If not, it sounds important that you make them aware so they can be considering this in the discharge planning. It’s important Mum’s wishes and your concerns are considered in this assessment.

If you have, but feel your concerns aren’t being heard, and Mum is in hospital in England, I’d suggest speaking with the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team Nina A. Contact details will be on the hospital website, or you can search for contact details here. PALS are available to support patients and loved ones with any issues and concerns around care at the hospital and so sound as if they could be a valuable source of support just now. If in Scotland, the the Patient Advice And Support Service (PASS) Service could be helpful to contact. In Northern Ireland, information on raising concerns can be found via nidirect website here and for Wales via the gov website here.

Our booklet Going Home From Hospital also sounds as if it could be helpful resource at the moment, as it talks through the discharge process and support options available.

I can hear this is feeling a very stressful time for you all Nina A, and I am very sorry to hear that both your Aunt and Dad experienced similar conditions. You have been coping with such a lot as a family. Have you got plenty of support around you may I check? Please know we’re here to support you as much as we can. You are welcome to contact us as much as needed on the Macmillan Support Line for emotional support and general questions going forward. Our team of Cancer Information Nurses available on the Support Line may also be helpful to speak with if you feel speaking to someone with a medical understanding of cancer, it’s care needs, and progression, with you saying your concern are that Mum’s health could decline following discharge. The Support Line is available, 8am-8pm, 7 days a week on:0808 808 0000.