Hospital

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Plan before you go to hospital

Make sure you have a plan before you go into hospital. You can make this plan with family, friends and neighbours. Here are some things you may wish to plan for in the event of a planned hospital admission:

  • Checking there's food and drink for when you get home
  • Carrying out small tasks around the house
  • Making sure your home is warm enough
  • Collecting prescriptions
  • Dropping in for a chat
  • Checking up on you

While you're in hospital

You, your family or carer and staff involved in your care, will all work together to plan for your discharge and return home. 

If extra support is needed, your nurse or doctor can make a referral to the hospital social work team, who will have a conversation with you.

If you are at Barnet Hospital, you can ask your hospital social work team about time-limited support at home, run by Red Cross volunteers. 

You may also be suitable for our Enablement Service which provides a short period of light support in your home to help you get back on your feet following time in hospital. For more information you can download the leaflet here: Barnet Enablement Leaflet (PDF 178KB)

Home from hospital service by Age UK Barnet and British Red Cross

Age UK’s Home from Hospital Service came to an end on 26 April 2019, the last date for receiving referrals was 29 March 2019.

Staff and volunteers provide short-term, practical support in the home for people who are being discharged from hospital after accident or illness.

You can expect up to 4 home visits over a 4-week period, to help meet your individual needs and preferences. The service is free of charge to Barnet residents over the age of 65.

Red Cross also provide an assisted discharging service from A&E at both Barnet and Royal Free Hospitals.

If you are a carer, you can also contact Barnet Carers Centre, they offer; advice, information, emotional and practical support for all informal carers who live or work in the London Borough of Barnet.

Carer and man talking

Help to leave hospital

If you're struggling, we may be able to provide some support options for when you get home after hospital. For example: 

You may have to pay towards some of these things. How much you contribute will depend on your income and the amount of help you need.

To find out more, please contact Social Care Direct by email socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk or phone 020 8359 5000.

NHS advice about being discharged from hospital

The NHS provides further information about what should happen when people with care needs are released from hospital.

NHS Choices (external link)