On July 1, 2022, unpaid carers were granted new rights under the Health and Care Act. One of the important changes included relates to hospital discharge, mandating that NHS hospital trusts in England involve unpaid carers as early as possible in the planning process for patient discharge.

Carers UK has found that when carers are not consulted, involved, or provided with the necessary information, the carers experience is negatively impacted. The ‘Carers and Hospital Discharge’ toolkit is a supporting framework-to enable organisations to more fully involve unpaid carers in care, and discharge planning which is expected to improve quality, safety and experience.

This comprehensive toolkit focusses on supporting a partnership approach to effectively plan for a smooth and secure transition from hospital care. This is likely to support timely and efficient discharge, and reduce readmission, aligning with the priorities of the NHS.

Published: September 2024