Carers Rights and Hospital Discharge
According to the State of Caring Survey 2025, many carers reported that a lack of consultation by NHS professionals, particularly during hospital discharge, negatively impacted their wellbeing, leaving them feeling undervalued and unrecognised.
Many carers are unaware that they have the right to be consulted before the person they care for is discharged. Under the Health and Care Act 2022, NHS hospital trusts have a duty to involve a carer, in the planning for discharge, as long as the person they care for consents (if they do not you would be informed). When someone leaves hospital, their needs may have changed, they
might require additional care or support, or a carer may be taking on the role for the first time so needs to know what to expect. Carers need to be part of the important discussions to ensure a safe and sustainable plan is in place.
Many carers are unaware that they have the right to be consulted before the person they care for is discharged. Under the Health and Care Act 2022, NHS hospital trusts have a duty to involve a carer, in the planning for discharge, as long as the person they care for consents (if they do not you would be informed). When someone leaves hospital, their needs may have changed, they
might require additional care or support, or a carer may be taking on the role for the first time so needs to know what to expect. Carers need to be part of the important discussions to ensure a safe and sustainable plan is in place.
If you are a carer ask questions and share your views:
– Have you been asked if you are willing and able to continue caring?
– Have you been offered a carer’s assessment?
– Have you spoken to a member of the discharge team or attended a
discharge meeting?
– Have you received a care plan?
– Do you understand the medications prescribed and any side effects?
– Do you know what referrals or follow-up support have been
arranged and who to contact?
– Is there a date for equipment installation, and have you been shown
how to use it?
– Have you received a detailed discharge letter?
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(Caring Together Charity, Carers UK)