A new pilot scheme designed to help patients overcome the wider issues affecting their health and wellbeing has launched at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Monday 13 July 2026.
The Citizens Advice Discharge Support Worker pilot will work alongside ward teams and discharge services to provide additional support for patients facing challenges beyond their immediate medical needs.
The initiative aims to improve recovery outcomes by helping patients address concerns such as finances, housing, employment, social isolation and access to community support.
Following a referral from hospital staff, members of the team will meet patients on the ward to discuss their individual circumstances and provide tailored advice and guidance.
By addressing these wider determinants of health, the service seeks to support safe, timely and sustainable hospital discharges, helping patients make a smoother transition back home.
The pilot is available to adult patients aged 18 and over who live in Darlington and are currently receiving inpatient care at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Patients must also be able to provide consent before a referral can be made.
Referrals can be made by ward staff and discharge coordinators, with the patient’s agreement.
The launch of the new service reflects a growing recognition of the important role that social, financial and practical factors play in people’s overall health and wellbeing.
By ensuring patients have access to the right support at the right time, the initiative aims to improve outcomes both during hospital stays and after discharge.
