CQC survey highlights hospital discharge support as ongoing concern
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
The Care Quality Commission has reported improvements in several areas of adult inpatient experience in England, but says discharge planning and post-discharge support remain an area of difficulty.
The CQC adult inpatient survey looked at the experiences of more than 58,000 people aged 16 and over who had spent at least one night in hospital during November 2025.
The survey found some positive changes. More patients said they had confidence and trust in nurses, felt doctors included them in conversations about their care, and understood the answers they received from doctors or nurses.
However, discharge remained a concern.
A fifth of patients said hospital staff did not discuss whether they may need further health or social care services after leaving hospital, even though they would have appreciated this.
Some patients also said family members or carers were not involved in discharge decisions, or were not given the information they needed to help care for them at home.
The CQC said support after leaving hospital also remained difficult, with some patients reporting that they did not get the help they needed to recover or manage their condition after discharge.
Discharge is a critical part of patient care. NHS England guidance says safe and timely discharge can support recovery, restore independence and make hospital beds available for people who need acute care.
However, leaving hospital without the right information, planning or follow-up can create uncertainty for patients, families and carers.
The broader relevance
Leaving hospital is not just the end of an admission. It is the point where responsibility, information and practical support move from the hospital setting back into everyday life.
For some people, that may mean managing medication, mobility, wound care, symptoms, appointments, equipment, care needs or uncertainty about what to do if things change.
Where discharge planning is weak, patients and families may be left trying to manage recovery without enough information or support.
The survey applies to adult inpatient care in England.