A North East hospital trust has marked its first Love Your Lounge Month, a campaign held throughout August to raise awareness of the important role discharge lounges play in supporting patients who are ready to leave hospital.
The campaign focused on the discharge lounges at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, helping patients, families and colleagues understand what the lounges are, how they support safe and timely discharge, and what patients can expect when they are ready to leave the ward.
For many patients, the final part of their hospital journey is spending time in the Discharge Lounge while final arrangements are completed. This may include waiting for medication, discharge information, transport, collection by family or friends, or transfer to a community hospital or next place of care.
The lounges provide calm and welcoming spaces where patients continue to be cared for by staff while they wait.
Julie Form, Outpatients and Clinical Site Manager, said:
“Leaving hospital is an important part of a patient’s recovery, and we want that experience to feel safe, supported and as smooth as possible.”
“Our Discharge Lounges help patients feel one step closer to home while they wait for final arrangements. They are calm and welcoming spaces where patients continue to be cared for, supported and kept informed.”
“Love Your Lounge Month has been about raising awareness of these spaces, helping patients and families know what to expect, and supporting colleagues to use the lounges consistently as part of safe and timely discharge planning.”
Throughout the month, the Trust shared patient information, staff resources, videos, posters, and patient and family experience stories.
The campaign also encouraged patients and families to think ahead about discharge arrangements where possible, including how they will get home, who may be able to collect them, whether they have suitable clothing and footwear, and whether they need support when they arrive home.
The Trust is continuing to encourage colleagues to think “discharge lounge early” as part of discharge planning, and to support patients and families to feel informed and reassured when they are ready to leave hospital.
Opportunities are also being explored for volunteers to support the lounges and help create a friendly and reassuring environment for patients.
Patients and families can find more information about leaving hospital and what to expect in the Discharge Lounge on the Trust website: https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-care-hospital/while-youre-us/leaving-hospital
