We're dealing with hospital

You only need the part you're in right now.

If this is an emergency

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, contact the appropriate emergency service or healthcare professional now. In the UK: 999 for an emergency, NHS 111 for urgent healthcare advice.

The Care Circle is not an emergency service.

Questions to ask

• What has changed, in plain English?
• Who is the consultant, and who is the ward contact?
• What are you treating, and what are you waiting for?
• What needs to be true before they can come home?
• Has anyone been referred — physio, occupational therapy, social work?
• When will discharge be discussed, and will the family be included?

Keep a note of

Ward name and direct phone number
Who is involved in their care
What has changed since admission
What the family has been told, and by whom
What happens next and when

You are allowed to ask them to explain it again. Nobody expects you to know the language.