Discharge from Hospital

Background

Discharge planning is key to ongoing health needs and to reduce the need for readmission to hospital.

THINK about what matters to you and your diabetes

• It is important to think about your needs and requirements at home and if any support is required to manage your diabetes, you may or may not need additional help at discharge from hospital.

• Some people may require the support of the District Nurse team at discharge, and this can be arranged for you by the ward nursing staff.
  

CHECK

• Check to see if there have been any changes made to your diabetes medication in hospital and check what follow up you need.

• Check to find out what monitoring you need at discharge. Blood glucose meters can be provided by the hospital diabetes team if required.

• Blood glucose monitoring is essential if you are prescribed insulin. Monitoring may be required in the short term, particularly if your treatment has been changed during admission, or if you are prescribed steroid treatment.

• Check what support, advice and education is available to you. If you have started treatment with insulin during admission to hospital you will need appropriate supplies for injections and monitoring. You should be followed up by the Diabetes team, check that you have their contact details.
  

ACT

• At discharge from hospital, you should be provided with an up-to-date list of your medication. Take time to ask questions so that you are fully informed about how your medicines work, when and how to take them.

• If you have any concerns about your diabetes; ask for advice.

• It is recommended that you have a diabetes check up every 4 - 6 months. This check-up can be done at your GP surgery, or you may be asked to attend a hospital diabetes clinic.

• Structured diabetes education programmes and online resources are available, to help you keep up to date and learn more about managing diabetes.
  

Resources:-

Diabetes UK and ABCD Your Safe Discharge from Hospital, An Information Leaflet for People with Diabetes - http://www.diabetes-healthnet.ac.uk/Documents/Uploaded/COvIDPatientDischargev2.2.pdf 

Diabetes UK - www.diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes UK When you’re unwell - https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/illness?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiOS39NKhhwMVtYBQBh20PQhnEAAYASAAEgIwCvD_BwE

Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care - https://abcd.care/jbds-ip

TREND leaflets for people living with diabetes - https://trenddiabetes.online/people-with-diabetes/