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Emergency Hospital Discharge
Your rights and practical steps when a hospital discharges you quickly — and how to ensure adequate care is in place.
Key Facts
- Hospitals should give at least 24 hours notice of planned discharge
- Emergency discharge still requires adequate care planning
- Contact the ward's social worker immediately if you have concerns
- Contact PALS if you believe discharge is unsafe
- Ekvarta can often arrange home care within 24 hours
Responding to Fast Discharge
If you are told you or a family member is being discharged quickly, immediately ask: What care package will be in place? Has an OT assessed the home environment? Who will provide care and from when? If the answers are unsatisfactory, escalate immediately to the ward sister, hospital social worker, or PALS.
Arranging Care at Short Notice
If the council cannot arrange care in time, contact private home care agencies directly. Ekvarta can often arrange a care package within 24–48 hours. Make a list of the person's needs (personal care, meals, medication, mobility) and be ready to share this with any agency you contact.