Publish date: 4 March 2026
Families and carers are being urged to follow simple steps to help loved ones return home from hospital safely and without delay.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals says preparing a patient’s home in advance can support recovery, reduce the risk of complications, and help prevent unnecessary readmissions.
Dr Philip Dale, Emergency Department Consultant and Clinical Lead, said: “The benefits of recovering at home in a familiar environment are huge, so it’s vitally important that patients are able to return home when they’re ready to do so.
“Ensuring everything is prepared for them seems like a simple thing to check, but it can make a real difference when we look at issues like avoiding a return to hospital or supporting the patient’s progress.”
To help families prepare for a loved one’s return home, the Trust has shared a list of simple steps to follow:
- Make sure prescription medicines are available, or check whether help is needed to collect them.
- Ensure your loved one has enough food, drink, and essential supplies at home.
- Remove any trip hazards to help prevent falls.
- Check the house is warm enough and that clean bedding is ready.
- Provide emotional support - leaving hospital can sometimes feel overwhelming.
- Make sure you know who to contact if you have concerns.
- If support is needed when GP practices or pharmacies are closed, NHS 111 is available.
The Trust also says that ensuring patients can return home promptly helps to free up beds so teams can continue to care for the most seriously ill people.
Scott Malton, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “Families and carers play such a vital role in patients' recovery. A safe and timely discharge benefits both the patient and our hospital teams. It’s a vital part of making sure our system works as it should, so we can continue to treat the most vulnerable patients and provide the best care for our communities.”
Hospital teams work closely with patients and, where required, social care colleagues to ensure the right discharge plan is in place. If someone needs short‑term care or support at home, these arrangements will be discussed with them before they leave.
If loved ones are unable to provide the level of care required, they have the right to a carer’s assessment through their local council. This can be accessed using the postcode tool at: https://
Families can also watch a series of short videos from NHS Cheshire and Merseyside offering further practical tips on supporting a relative after hospital discharge – click here.
More information about leaving hospital is available at: https://
