The local authority will require an Assessment Notification (formerly known as Section 2) no later than 72 hours prior to discharge, but this should be done at the earliest opportunity (see Figure 3.7 for an example). (Again, contact the discharge team or social services for this form.)

How the local authority responds to the Assessment Notification may depend on what local arrangements are in place. Many local authorities have a social worker or social work department within the hospital trust, and this person or team is usually part of the discharge team. Their role is to facilitate the setting up of care packages for discharge. Other authorities may require additional assessments, such as occupational therapy or medical reports, to enable them to set up the care. It is not uncommon for local authorities to request an NHS Continuing Healthcare checklist to be completed as part of the process to assess whether the patient might be entitled to NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

When the patient has been assessed and is ready for discharge, a Discharge Notification (formerly known as a Section 5) should be sent to the local authority at least 24 hours before the patient leaves hospital (see Figure 3.8 for an example). Nurses need to be aware of the importance of the timeliness of completing this social services documentation and facilitate this being done as soon as possible to avoid discharge delays.