A NEW project designed to improve a patient’s discharge process from hospital has been launched at Noble's Hospital.
The Ready to Go? initiative has been spearheaded by the Patient Safety and Quality Forum following feedback from an in-patient satisfaction survey.
Almost 30 percent of patients who responded to the survey said that discharge procedures from hospital could be improved.
Ready to Go? aims to improve the process of discharging a patient from hospital, or transferring a patient to another care setting, by ensuring the hospital is proactive in planning care and supporting patients and families at this time.
Debbie Quaye, who is the transfer of care co-ordinator said: "For patients and their families the discharge process is often very stressful and at points quite confusing. Getting the lines of communication and our process right is essential if patients are to feel safe and confident when they leave hospital."
New policies and training packages have been drawn up for staff to follow and specific areas which are identified as causing a delay in the discharge process will be identified.
Staff involved include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers, doctors, nurses and representatives from the ambulance service, porters and community services.
Additionally patient and public representatives from the Patient Safety and Quality Forum will give a patient perspective of the discharge process on the training programmes.
Martyn Lowey, a public representative of the Patient Safety and Quality Forum and member of the discharge project group, said: "The views and insights of the patient and public representatives have really helped the group to see the discharge process from the patient perspective.
"The new procedures will help to make improvements for patients. Making sure everything is in place at the right time before each patient leaves hospital is critical to their safety and wellbeing once they have left the hospital."
Health Minister David Anderson MHK added: "Patients at Noble's Hospital and their families have indicated to us that they would like the discharge process to be improved and this is exactly what this group is setting out to do."
What do you think? Have you had or good or bad experiences on discharge from Noble's Hospital? Let us know your thoughts:
Picture caption: L to R - Tracey Kelly, ward manager, Martyn Lowey, patient and public representative, Amanda Exton, occupational therapy clinical team leader, Karen Winter, registered nurse, Bev Critchlow, director of nursing, midwifery and professional development, Sue Rafferty, health records manager, Debbie Quaye, transfer of care co-ordinator, Kevin Powesland, portering and security manager, Member for Health Dudley Butt MLC and Health Minister David Anderson MHK
