Leaving Hospital? Here's How to Find the Right Care in Newcastle

If someone you care about is being discharged from hospital in Newcastle, this guide walks you through the process and connects you with local services.

When hospital staff say a patient is "medically fit for discharge", they mean acute treatment is complete. The person may not be fully recovered, but they can continue their recovery in a more appropriate environment such as a care home or at home with support.

In Newcastle, the discharge process brings together the hospital discharge coordinator, adult social care from Newcastle City Council, family members, and potential care providers. You may find yourself needing to make decisions within days, which can feel pressured during an already difficult time.

Options might include moving to a care home, arranging home care, or accessing intermediate care for short-term rehabilitation. You have every right to be involved in these choices and to ask for more time if the pace feels too fast.

Care home funding in England works in three main ways. Knowing which applies to your situation in Newcastle will help you plan ahead.

It's common to feel worried about cost at this stage. Take time to understand which route applies to you, and don't be rushed into decisions you're not ready for.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) offers fully NHS-funded care for those with significant ongoing health needs. If your relative qualifies, the NHS pays all care costs regardless of where the care is provided.

CHC eligibility centres on health needs, not diagnoses. The assessment covers domains like mobility, nutrition, continence, behaviour, cognition, and psychological needs. A primary health need can mean full NHS funding.

Assessment begins with a checklist and, where appropriate, continues with the Decision Support Tool. You can participate in this process and have the right to request a CHC assessment.

Many families do not know CHC exists. If you think your relative might have complex health needs, ask the hospital discharge team about a CHC assessment. You can also request one yourself.

Hospital discharge does not automatically mean a care home. Depending on circumstances, other support may be available in Newcastle.

• Reablement services: short-term intensive support (usually free for up to 6 weeks) to help someone regain skills and independence at home
• Intermediate care: a temporary placement in a care facility or support at home while recovering
• Community nursing: district nurses who visit at home for medical care like wound dressing or medication management
• Home care packages: carers visiting at home to help with washing, dressing, meals, and medication
• Occupational therapy: assessment and equipment to make the home safer (grab rails, shower seats, raised toilet seats)
• Falls prevention services: physiotherapy and strength exercises to reduce the risk of further falls

Talk to the hospital discharge team and Newcastle City Council about what alternatives exist. Local contact details are provided below.