Hospital Discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request support for my loved one on discharge from hospital?

Speak to a member of the ward staff and request a referral to Crossroads for support on discharge.

How long do you support a patient on discharge?

Support is reviewed daily, this will include regular monitoring of the situation, considerations of other services involved. Appropriate care will be offered day or night, in response to any changing need.

Do you provide day and/or night support?

Yes, Support can be provided during the day or overnight. Day is not designed to replace a statutory care package.

What do I need to provide for staff?

Please provide a comfortable chair (ideally not a dining room chair) for staff to sit on which is within easy reach of the person with care needs so they can attend to their needs without disturbing others. It is staff’s responsibility to check on the person with care needs every half-hour so close access is vital. Staff must not be positioned on a different floor from the person with care need.

What Facilities will staff need to access?

Our staff will need access to toilet and hand washing facilities as well as access to a kitchen to make themselves refreshments. They will bring their own food but if you are able provide tea/coffee/milk that would be very welcome as would the use of cups/plates/crockery. If our staff use any of your crockery it will be washed after use.

Where will the staff sit?

It is staff’s responsibility to check on the person with care needs every half-hour so close access is vital. Staff must not be positioned on a different floor from the person with care needs. It is staff’s responsibility to check on the person with care needs every half-hour so close access is vital. Staff must not be positioned on a different floor from the person with care need.

Will I be disturbed at night?

The idea of the service is to give you a break so we will try not to disturb you during the night; our staff are trained to deal with a range of situations. If there are exceptional circumstances when you would wish to be woken, please talk to our staff at the beginning of the visit to let them know. An 8 or 10 hour night shift is a long time for staff to sit still so they will quietly walk around, do some stretching activities, make themselves refreshments or have a light lunch. They will try to keep noise to a minimum.

How do the staff stay awake at night?

During the quieter hours of the night, usually around 2 am or 3 am, we encourage staff to read, listen to the radio through earphones, complete crosswords, have refreshments etc to keep themselves awake. They will keep the use of lights to a minimum but to avoid eye strain for the staff, some activities will require a light being on.

Will the staff wake me if they have concerns about my loved one condition?

The staff will ask if you on arrive if you would like to be woken or contact should they have any concerns.

What support will staff provide to my loved one?

During the service, our staff can support a person’s care needs with both the practical and personal care tasks that their primary Carer would normally carry out. Such tasks could include but are not limited to; personal care, medication, nutrition, hydration, and support with daily living, keeping someone safe.

Do your staff wear a uniform?

Our staff do not wear uniforms, they will be dress appropriately. They will have an ID Badges.

Do your staff carry ID Badges?

They will all have ID badges.

Can I prebook night support?

No, Our Urgent care service is not pre-bookable. Night cover is only booked on the day.

Do the staff need a bed?

No, we only provide waking night support. We do ask for staff to have a comfortable chair to sit in throughout the day or night shift.