A campaign celebrating the important role of hospital discharge lounges has been taking place across County Durham and Darlington throughout August.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s first Love Your Lounge Month focused on the Discharge Lounges at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, helping patients, families and colleagues understand how the lounges support safe and timely discharge.
For many patients, the final part of their hospital journey involves spending time in the Discharge Lounge while the final arrangements for leaving hospital are completed.
This may include waiting for medication, discharge information, transport, collection by family or friends, or transfer to a community hospital or their next place of care.
The Discharge Lounges provide calm and welcoming spaces where patients continue to be cared for and supported 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 August, the Trust has shared patient information, staff resources, videos, posters and patient and family experience stories to help raise awareness of the lounges and their role.
The campaign has also encouraged patients and families to think ahead about discharge arrangements wherever possible.
This includes considering how they will get home, whether someone can collect them, having suitable clothing and footwear available, and thinking about whether they will need any support when they arrive home.
The Trust is continuing to encourage colleagues to think “discharge lounge early” as part of discharge planning, helping patients and families to feel informed and reassured when they are ready to leave hospital.
The Trust is also exploring opportunities for volunteers to support the Discharge Lounges and help create a friendly and reassuring environment for patients.
