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Your hospital stay information guide

No one wants to go into hospital, but unfortunately many of us will have to at some point. Our guide can help you know what to expect so that you can feel as prepared as possible for what can be an unsettling time.

This guide covers the time before, during and after your hospital stay. It includes:

  • planned and emergency admissions to hospital
  • your rights while you’re in hospital
  • how to submit compliments and complaints about your care
  • the discharge process
  • your care after you leave the hospital.

It also lists useful organisations you can contact for further information and support about your hospital stay.

Download your guide (PDF, 2 MB)

Your hospital stay cover.jpg

Want to order print versions of our information guides?

If you’re a professional or organisation, please email orders@ageuk.co.uk. In your email please include how many you'd like of each guide and a full postal address of where you'd like them sent. Delivery normally takes around 10 days.

If you'd like to place an order for yourself, you can call our advice line on 0800 678 1602 or email us at orders@ageuk.co.uk – please include your full postal address and allow 10 days for delivery.

Need this guide in another format?

This guide is also available in other formats if that's more suitable for you.

  • You can request a free printed copy of this guide that we'll post to you. 
  • You can also request this guide in large print or audio format.

To request any of these options, you can call the advice line on 0800 678 1602.

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Last updated: Dec 06 2023

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