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Getting Home from the Hospital: What You Need to Know

Writer's picture: The Good Company PeopleThe Good Company People

If you’ve ever found yourself in a hospital outside of East Sussex—like Pembury Hospital in Kent—you might feel a bit lost about how to get back home and get the right support in place. Don’t worry! That’s where East Sussex County Council’s Out of County Hospital Team comes in. Their job is to make sure you get home safely, whether that’s to your own home, a rehab centre, or a nursing home.


In this blog, we’ll break down what happens when it’s time to leave the hospital and how the team can help you get back home.


Hospital Discharge Funding—What Is It?


Back in 2020, during COVID, the NHS introduced something called Hospital Discharge Funding. This means that when you leave the hospital and you need more support than you did when you were admitted, you’re entitled to up to four weeks of funded care (or until a Social Care Assessment is done, whichever comes first).


This funding is all about making the transition from hospital to home as smooth as possible, especially if you need extra support.


The Process: How the Out of County Team Helps


  1. Step 1: Fit for Discharge

    Once your doctors decide you’re medically ready to leave, they’ll refer you to the Out of County Team if you need extra help at home.


  2. Step 2: Meeting the Team

    Someone from the team will aim to visit you in hospital within 2 working days. They’ll chat with you about what kind of help you need. Things they’ll discuss:

    • Do you need help with bathing, dressing, meals, or taking medication?

    • How often do you need that help (once a day, four times a day)?

    • How long should each visit last (30 to 120 minutes)?

    • Will one carer be enough, or will you need two?


  3. Step 3: Getting Everything Set Up

    It can take around 3 working days to arrange what’s called a “package of care.” This means you might stay in hospital a bit longer—up to 5 extra days—while everything gets sorted.


Care Agencies: Who Will Help You at Home?


In our area, most people are referred to My Home Care, but if you prefer, you can request one of six other approved agencies, including:


It’s good to know you have options!


What If You Just Want to Go Home?


You always have the right to go home once your doctors say you’re fit to leave. If you’d rather not wait for care arrangements to be sorted in hospital, the Out of County Team can come to your home instead. Just keep in mind that any extra support you need in the meantime will be your responsibility until care is arranged.


Once you’re home, here’s what happens:


  • A team member will aim to call you within 2-3 days to check in.

  • Within a week, they’ll look to arrange a visit to do a Care Needs Assessment to figure out what long-term support you might need.


Money Matters: Who Pays for What Once the NHS Funding runs out?


  • If You Have Less Than £23,250 in Savings:

    You’ll be eligible for a financial assessment to figure out how much you can afford to contribute toward your care.

  • If You Have More Than £23,250 in Savings:

    You’ll need to pay for your care yourself (called being a self-funder) once the NHS funding runs out.


The team will confirm the exact date the NHS funding ends and, if eligible, when East Sussex County Council will take over the payments.


Your Rights Under the Care Act


Even though this process can feel overwhelming, you have a lot of control over the care you receive. Here’s what you can do:


  • Request your preferred call times (within a 30-minute window). This isnt always possible but they will always aim for this!

  • Decide how long you’d like each visit to be.

  • If you’re not happy with the agency or carers, you can ask for a different provider. Just talk to your Social Worker, and they’ll put in a “Client-led Transfer Request.”


What If Something's Not Right?


East Sussex County Council cares about the quality of care you receive. Every year, they run a survey to get feedback, but if something isn’t right, you don’t have to wait. You can:


They usually respond within 3–20 days.


Getting home from the hospital can be a big adjustment, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, the Out of County Team is there to help, and you always have the power to make decisions about your care.


If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your allocated social worker —they’re here to make sure you’re safe, supported, and comfortable at home.

 

Further Reading


Pembury Discharge information leaflet


NHS guidance on planning care before you leave hospital 


Care and Support Plans


Mobilise advice on Hospital Discharge

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