Initial Planning Discussion

A discussion to start the initial planning process should take place between health professionals currently working with the child to identify the areas of the child's health that need to be accommodated in community settings when the child is discharged from hospital.

A key worker/lead professional should then discuss the issues with the parents before the discharge planning meeting and ensure that the correct people are invited to the discharge planning meeting. The parents should be informed about the Care Co-ordination process and be asked to suggest topics for the agenda of the discharge meeting.

It is important that parents are aware of all the issues that might need to be discussed at the discharge planning meeting, including sensitive issues such as end of life planning, if appropriate.