Peterborough City Council renews hospital discharge support service
Peterborough City Council’s ruling Cabinet has approved the renewal of a vital Discharge Support Service that helps patients returning home after hospital care.
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
The service, operating at Peterborough City Hospital, has been in place since 2017 and provides crucial support for adults following their discharge.
At its meeting on 10 February 2026, the Cabinet agreed to continue the service, delivered by The British Red Cross Society, after assessments concluded it is “valuable and impactful.”
Councillor Neil Boyce (Peterborough First), Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, explained:
“This service enables those discharged from Peterborough City Hospital to re-settle appropriately in their own home via a variety of tasks for a period of up to six weeks."
"It helps increase the independence and well-being of those who use it.”
Support provided through the service
The Discharge Support Service offers a range of practical help to patients, including:
- Transport home or to a care setting from hospital
- Post-discharge support for up to six weeks if needed
- Telephone support and welfare check-ins
- Collecting prescriptions
- Shopping and food parcels
- Delivery of small equipment from hospital to home
- Mobility aids
- Triage into the local voluntary sector and guidance on local services
Contract details and impact
The new contract will commence on 1 May 2026 for an initial three-year period, with the option to extend for a further two years.
The service is available to all adults aged 18 and over discharged from Peterborough City Hospital.
The total cost of the service is set at £740,209 over five years (£148,041 per year).
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the service is expected to save between £189,750 and £356,250 annually and help free up vital hospital bed space for newly admitted patients.
Cllr Boyce emphasised that the service is an essential part of supporting patients’ recovery and ensuring they can safely return to their own homes.