NHS hospital services are run and managed by NHS trusts, which make sure that hospitals provide high-quality healthcare, and that money is spent efficiently. They also decide on strategies for hospital developments.
Apart from emergency care, hospital treatment is arranged through your GP, dentist or optician. Treatment at NHS hospitals is free.
Since the introduction of free choice in April 2008, you can choose the hospital that best suits your needs in most cases, except for mental health and maternity services. Once you've been seen by the specialist, you can always ask for a second opinion.
Admissions
Your hospital admission is depends on the type of test or treatment you are booked in for. You can be admitted as:
- an outpatient - you are referred to see specialist without the need to stay in hospital overnight,
- a day patient or day case - you need a hospital bed for tests or surgery, but do not need to stay overnight, or
- an inpatient - you need a hospital bed because you have to stay in hospital for tests or surgery.
You'll be involved in all decisions regarding your treatment throughout your stay in hospital. If you wish, staff will keep members of your family or friends informed about your progress.
All hospital staff will treat you equally regardless of gender, sexuality, age or disability and will always respect your privacy and religious or cultural background while providing care.
Discharge/ transfer
When you arrive in hospital, those professionals in charge of your care will develop a plan for your treatment, including your discharge or transfer. This is usually done within 24 hours.You will be able to discuss your needs, and how they will be met, to ensure that you have everything that you need for a full recovery when you return home.
Your discharge or transfer date will be affected by:
- how quickly your health improves while you are in hospital, and
- what support you will need after you returned home.
Minimal discharge
Most people who are discharged from hospital need only minimal ongoing care that does not require complex planning, sometimes refered to as a "minimal discharge".
Complex discharge
If you need more specialised aftercare, your discharge or transfer procedure is referred to as a "complex discharge". For example, you may:
- have ongoing health and social care needs,
- need community care services,
- need intermediate care, or
- be discharged to a residential home or care home.
As well as hospital staff, your discharge or transfer may involve other healthcare professionals, such as your GP or a community nurse. Organisations outside the NHS may also be involved, for example local authorities or independent and voluntary organisations.
Organising transport
You should make arrangements for a relative or friend to collect you. Let the staff know if they need to make other transport arrangements for you.
Medication
If you are given any medication to take home, you will usually be given enough for the next seven days. You will also be given a letter that includes information about your medication to give to your GP.
If you need to continue to take your medication, you should arrange to get a repeat prescription from your GP before your hospital supply runs out. Some surgeries require up to 48 hours notice for repeat prescriptions.
Notifying your GP
When you leave hospital, you will be given a letter for your GP, giving information about your treatment and future care needs, including medication and any changes to it. You should give this letter to your GP as soon as you can.
