Patient discharged from hospital to Derbyshire care home wearing just a blanket

Elderly patients are being discharged from hospital to care homes across Derbyshire in an unfit state, watchdogs claim.

Healthwatch Derbyshire said one pensioner was moved wearing just a blanket – while others were forced to leave hospital late at night.

In another shocking case, an individual was found to be in a diabetic coma when they arrived at a care home and they had to be taken back to hospital. The report said appropriate actions were not taken to control the individual’s diabetes during the discharge period.

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The cases were uncovered by inspectors from Healthwatch Derbyshire who visited ten care homes across the county – including New Bassett House in Shirebrook, the Spinney in Brimington and Dent House in Matlock – to speak to patients about their experiences.

Karen Ritchie, chief executive of Healthwatch Derbyshire, said: “The issue of unsafe discharge from hospital to care homes is very concerning as it can be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of patients.”

Healthwatch Derbyshire said it had contacted hospitals both in the area and surrounding counties – including Chesterfield Royal and Tameside Hospital in Manchester – to raise its concerns over discharge pitfalls.

Lynn Andrews, director of nursing and patient care at Chesterfield Royal, said: “The partnerships we build with other hospitals, residential and care homes are really important.

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“When patients are ready for transfer communication is vital.

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“A complete people-centred picture – from what they like to be called, to the food they dislike and their medication and treatment – should be provided, ideally before they arrive in their new surroundings.

“We are working with other agencies to improve transfers so high-quality care can continue seamlessly and to make sure that everything a patient requires is in place for them.”

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