What happens if the patient is still on the IPU and you need to close?

We will ask you to discuss this with the patient and family prior to admission, so we have an agreed alternative place of care. If the patient had not had this discussion because they have been on the IPU for much longer than anticipated, then we will discuss this with them. Alternative discharge destinations include home, care home or another hospice (if there is a bed available) or to hospital if there is no other safe discharge destination option.