Delayed Transfers of Care: What it’s like for patients and families

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Transformation Board were keen to look behind the data of patients moving through our health and social care system.   As such they asked Healthwatch Cornwall to undertake a piece of work that gets to the heart of what this experience is really like for patients and their families who are struggling to leave the hospital setting.  The emphasis was on the need to include the views of patients and families even at times of high pressure. 

Healthwatch Cornwall interviewed patients and families in acute and community hospitals in Cornwall and incorporated comments from staff. Patients we spoke to were medically fit for discharge but their transfer of care was delayed due to reasons such as awaiting: a package of care, community hospital bed or nursing or residential care; or delayed due to family choice/preferences.

We looked at causes for delays, and involvement of the patient and those close to them in discharge planning.   

Further details regarding the Transformation Board can be found here.