Inform an individual of discharge arrangements

This standard is about supporting the discharge of individuals from a health care service once the decision to discharge has been taken by an appropriate practitioner.

This standard is suitable for anyone who is expected to assist in the discharge of an individual from the health care services.  Discharge may be into the care of other health or social services or into the individual's own care, which includes care provided by family members and/or significant others.

The standard includes clinical discharge procedures and covers the checking of discharge notes, the transmission of information and, in the case of individuals being discharged into their own care, the provision of advice and information on their after-care.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. provide advice and information in response to any queries the individual may have in accordance with your scope of practice
9. gain any necessary authorisation for releasing information prior to doing so
10. provide the individual carer or significant other with details on:

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* the discharge arrangements

• coordination of inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams within and across services

• after care
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  11. check and confirm that the individual, carer or significant other has understood the discharge information.
  12. maintain the confidentiality of information consistent with legislation and your employer's policies
  13. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
9. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
10. the procedures and methods relating to the coordination of inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams within and across services
11. the organisational policy and practices with regard to the keeping and sharing of clinical records and information
12. the importance of providing clear information and advice on health care techniques and medications and the risks that arise if this is not done correctly
13. what actions to take to ensure that individuals, and/or those supporting them, as appropriate, have the opportunity to clarify their understanding of information you are providing
14. the information you would give to an individual who was being discharged and needed informing and advising about wound care, exercises/tasks to be performed, diet and fluids intake, and rest requirements
15. the sorts of side effects which individuals discharged into their own care might expect to experience and what contra-indications they should look out for
16. the steps you should take when there are communication differences
17. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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31 Mar 2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHGEN16

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Inform, discharge, arrangements

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