The majority of people make their own arrangements for help and support during the recovery period after hospital treatment. However if you cannot return home without help, the hospital social worker will assist you with information and advice and if necessary an assessment.
If you were receiving help before you went into hospital, the hospital social work department will arrange for this to be started again when you return home. If you were not receiving help, or need more help than before, the ward staff will contact the hospital social worker to arrange for an assessment to determine what help you may need when you return home.
Help that may be available to you includes:
help to wash and dress
help with meals and/or shopping if you are house-bound
help for carers
community-based rehabilitation services
Help is means tested and you will need to complete a financial assessment before the start of any service.
How do I get access to continuing care (NHS Funding)
Continuing care is a general term used to describe specialist care that is provided over a long period of time. This is awarded by assessing complexity, intensity and unpredictably of your ongoing condition.
For help and advice about continuing care visit the NHS Direct website or ask your consultant, GP, or social worker, for more information
Receiving aftercare if you are going into a private hospital
If you are going into a private hospital for treatment and need support from us when you leave, contact your GP or the adult access team on 020 8583 3100, before you go into hospital. They will discuss with you the care you may need.
It is important that you contact them before you go into hospital as access to NHS staff or services may not be possible once you are admitted into a private hospital.
How can I get access to an outpatients' clinic?
You normally need to be referred by your GP. The consultant will advise you of any treatment needed and you will be given an appointment to attend the outpatient clinic.
How can I find out more?
To find out more contact your social worker. If you do not have one, contact the adult access team, see the link on the right.