This investigation explores patient and carer involvement in hospital discharge decisions across Birmingham, highlighting gaps in communication, planning, and support.
This report explores patients’ and carers’ experiences of hospital discharge across Birmingham. It highlights inconsistent involvement in discharge planning, poor communication, and a lack of personalised support. Healthwatch Birmingham will continue to work with NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB and other partners to improve discharge processes, ensure patient voices are heard, and promote safer, more coordinated transitions from hospital to home.
We are proud to acknowledge the contribution of Mustak, a much-loved volunteer whose insight and dedication helped shape this report, and to share these words from our CEO in his memory.
This report includes the experience of Mustak, a long-standing volunteer with Healthwatch Birmingham, who sadly passed away before its publication. Mustak was a highly valued member of our team, and we are deeply grateful for the time, insight, and compassion he brought to his work with us. He shared his story with the hope that it would help bring about improvements in services for others, and we sincerely hope the actions outlined in this report will contribute to meaningful and lasting change. We extend our heartfelt thanks and deepest condolences to Mustak’s family.
Andy Cave, CEO.