A WATCHDOG which published a critical report into how patients were discharged from a hospital says improvements have been made since its visit.

Brighton and Hove Healthwatch published a report about the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton following an inspection last year.

It revealed only 38% of people asked felt safe and confident to leave hospital, while 35% said their medication had been explained to a carer or themselves.

The hospital discharge booklet, which explains what happens next and where to go for help and support after leaving, was scarcely used, and only 50% of those asked had received their discharge summary.

Healthwatch made 11 recommendations aimed at helping to improve the experience for patients.

Since then Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust has addressed a number of these issues.

The discharge booklet has been printed and will be launched in ward areas over the next two weeks.

Additional staff have been recruited to allow assessments to take place quicker and allow more rehabilitative therapy to be completed before leaving hospital.

New leaflet dispenser and notice boards have been bought to display a greater range of information to help people back at home, including self-help groups, community services, and general advice.

‘Discharge Hour’ has been reinstated which means medications are prepared 24 hours in advance. Early indications show patient flow is improving as a result.

However the number of bed blocking patients is still high, which is causing extra pressure for the hospital.

In many cases this is due to the complexity of the needs of people who need specialist housing or nursing care.

Healthwatch chief executive Nicky Cambridge said: “A delay in discharging people affects the whole hospital.

“Recent data shows the Royal Sussex has the second highest rate of A&E waiting times over four hours in England and some of this is due to waiting for a bed to be available in wards.

“A focus on the quality of discharge planning and investment improves patient experience and has an impact on the rest of the patients in hospital who are waiting for beds, so we are really pleased to hear of the progress since our visit.

“However, delayed discharge does remain stubbornly high so Healthwatch will continue to monitor this.”