Four questions that can help you get home sooner
Being in hospital can be worrying and sometimes confusing. You may not always know what is happening next or when you will be able to go home.
That's why we're encouraging patients, families and carers to ask four simple questions throughout their stay.
These questions help you better understand your care, know what to expect and feel more involved in decisions about your treatment.
They also help everyone caring for you focus on what needs to happen for you to return home safely when you're ready.
The 4 Questions
1. What is wrong with me?
Make sure you understand your condition, diagnosis or the reason you are in hospital. If anything is unclear, please ask a member of your care team to explain it.
2. When am I going home?
Your expected discharge date may change as your treatment progresses, but having an early conversation about going home helps you, your family and your care team plan ahead.
3. What is the team doing to get me home?
This question helps you understand what tests, treatments, assessments or support arrangements are still needed before you can leave hospital safely.
4. What am I expected to do to get home?
You may have an important role to play in your recovery. This could include staying active, taking part in therapy, arranging transport or talking to family members about support at home.
Why do these questions matter?
By asking these questions regularly, you can:
- better understand your care and treatment
- feel more informed and involved in decisions about your care
- know what is happening and what to expect
- help prepare for a safe return home
- reduce uncertainty during your hospital stay
Going home as soon as you are medically ready is often the best place for recovery.
Being in hospital longer than necessary can affect your independence, wellbeing and recovery, so planning for discharge starts as early as possible.
Don't be afraid to ask
Whether you're a patient, family member or carer, we encourage you to ask these questions and talk openly with the team looking after you.
We are here to help and want you to feel informed, supported and involved every step of the way.
You can find more information about leaving hospital on our There’s No Place Like Home pages.
Looking after yourself in hospital
To help you stay strong and keep your fitness, try to keep up with everyday activities as much as you can. Please ask staff if you need support.
Do
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Get dressed in your own clothes
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Eat meals at the table and drink plenty of fluids
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Sit out of bed in your bedside chair
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Take short walks
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Exercise or stretch gently in bed or in a chair
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Read or listen to an audiobook, podcast or music
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Keep your mind active with puzzles like crosswords, word searches or sudoku
Don’t
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Stay in bed for long periods when you're well enough to be up
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Miss opportunities to move, walk or do your exercises
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Wait until you're due home to ask questions about your discharge