The ‘revolving door’ approach to patients leaving hospital can be confusing for older people and must be changed, campaigners have warned.

In response to a report on hospital discharge by Healthwatch England, Independent Age said the current system is costly and not just bad for patients but for the system as a whole.

Responding to the report, Safely Home: What happens when people leave hospitals and care settings?, Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: ‘The revolving door approach to hospital discharge is letting patients down.

‘The report shows this is not just bad for patients but also for the system as a whole, with huge financial implications.

‘The process can be confusing for older people and their families as they’re often asked to make complex and difficult decisions when they’re already under considerable pressure.

‘It can be challenging for patients to find out what their options are and to know who to ask, especially for those who do not have family or friends to support them.

‘With two-thirds of readmitted patients returning to hospital within a week, we need to start making changes now.’