No-one wants to stay in hospital longer than they need to and it's important to get you back to the comfort of your own home, as soon as it is safe to do so.
It is our aim to discharge you from hospital as soon as you are well enough. As soon as you arrive, we will want to talk to you about a plan for getting you home.
The team looking after you will discuss with you the expected date when you will discharged. This will be when your hospital treatment is finished. It is important everyone is aware of this date so we can all work towards it.
We need to look after those who need hospital care. To do this, we need to make sure that there are enough beds available for people who need hospital treatment.
If you stay in hospital longer than you need to, it puts pressure on the hospital. It also means patients who need to be in hospital, have to wait longer for a bed.
We have Transfer of Care Hubs (TOCH) at both South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. You may also hear these being called discharge lounges. These are quiet and comfortable spaces where patients can wait before going home.
TOCH gives patients a safe and calm place to wait for:
• Medicines
• Transport
• Family or friends to collect them
It also helps us free up hospital beds for patients who need them.
What to bring
Have clothes ready for going home. We ask family or friends to bring these before the day of discharge.
How long will you wait?
Time spent in TOCH can be different for each person. We do our best to make sure patients can go home as soon as possible.
What we provide
- A hot meal
- Snacks and drinks
- Tea and coffee
If patients need help with eating or drinking, our staff are here to help.
Getting home
- Our team will arrange transport if needed.
- If someone is picking you up, they can park outside the door free for 20 minutes
- You can call a taxi from the lounge
Who will look after you?
Our nurses and healthcare assistants in the hub will support you.
Where to find us
- South Tyneside - Deans Wing, opposite Outpatients and our Emergency Department.
- Sunderland - Entrance 7, Sunderland Royal Hospital
