Hospital Rapid Discharge Team

The Hospital Rapid Discharge team at the Princess Royal Hospital in West Sussex is made up of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, therapy assistants and a social worker.

It works from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week - every day of the year.

The team covers Accident and Emergency, and other pre-admission emergency wards. Its aim is to meet with people as soon as possible after seeing a medic to begin planning their discharge home and prevent admission. All information about the person’s home situation and their discharge plans stay with the person for as long as they remain in hospital.

People can then be supported to return home as soon as possible. Where people are admitted, the team also offer support for up to 72 hours. If the patient does not go home within this time, the team hand over to the ward team.

Partnership working

Age UK’s Take Home and Settle Service and the Carers Support West Sussex Service work alongside the team to support people to return home safely. And they hold a wealth of information and advice for people and carers.

Social workers identify any care and support that people may already receive, or where they need a full social care assessment. They are well placed with a broad knowledge of relevant legislation, to utilise their social work skills and expertise providing a holistic service to people at such an important time. They ensure a focus on prevention and promoting independence. They know what services can help in a crisis and are able to support carers.

Good outcomes

Established three years ago, the team has seen some good outcomes for people in West Sussex. One social worker can see an average of 5 to 10 people each week whom they can support to return home. In this way, they prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.