My name is Harin Ellis, and I am a disability rights advocate. I created this system from my own experience as a patient — not to criticize, but to help make things better for everyone: patients, families, and the brilliant people who work in our health and social care services.

In the whirlwind of my recent hospital experience, I poignantly felt a surge of anxiety upon discharge. This discomfort wasn't just personal — it uncovered a widespread issue within the NHS and across health and social care. Many patients leave hospitals potentially confused about their follow-up care or unsure if they're truly ready to go home. Sometimes, the right accommodation, social care, or support simply isn't in place yet — and that isn't the fault of one service, but a sign we need better communication across all of us. Sometimes, the very reason someone came into hospital hasn't been properly investigated or resolved either — they've been sent home before the real problem was understood.

And sometimes, patients may not feel comfortable opening up — not just in hospital, but even when they're in their own accommodation. They might worry that if they say they don't feel safe, word will get back to staff or those they live with, and things could become difficult afterwards. That is why so many patients feel they can only truly speak freely once they are in hospital — it feels like a safe space to be honest without fear of repercussions. That honesty shouldn't be seen as a problem — it should be valued, listened to, and acted upon.

It isn't just the patient either — families and carers often see things differently too. They might be the ones helping day after day, noticing what isn't working, and feeling just as worried about their loved one going home. Their voice should be heard and respected as well.

Current discharge practices can unfortunately leave patients vulnerable. Research indicates that nearly 19% of patients experience adverse effects after being discharged from hospital. With over a million people discharged each year across the UK, this is not just a statistic — it represents many people whose health and safety could be better protected. Moreover, unclear follow-up care or being discharged into an unsuitable environment can lead to avoidable readmissions — putting extra pressure on hospital beds, A&E, ambulance crews, and emergency services.

What if there were a straightforward, patient-centered solution? Traffic lights work — everyone understands them. Here is the full system I am proposing:

🚦 Patient-Led Traffic Light Discharge System

🔴 RED — Not safe to discharge / Needs action first
I do not feel ready or safe to go home. This might be because:
• My home doesn't meet my access or safety needs
• Equipment or adaptations aren't working properly
• My support isn't enough or isn't in place yet
• My original concerns haven't been properly addressed
• Suitable accommodation or social care options are not yet arranged

🟡 YELLOW — Need extra support before discharge
I don't feel fully safe yet, but I have people or services who can support me. We need to connect me with the right teams — health, social care, or housing — and make sure everything is ready before I leave — and I agree with the plan.

🟢 GREEN — Ready to go home
I feel safe to go home. Everything I need is in place. I am happy to be discharged.

The traffic light system isn't just about colours.

The words — Red, Yellow, Green — can be spoken aloud, shown as symbols or pictures, written in large print or braille, translated into different languages, or made into an Easy Read format. Everyone deserves to know where they stand, no matter how they best receive information.

What this means:
• You listen to me and believe me — and when I say I don't feel safe, that should be enough. I shouldn't have to explain, justify, or prove why I don't feel safe — my feelings matter
• You give me the space and time to speak openly — and understand that I might feel differently when I'm in my own home than when I'm in hospital
• You contact the right teams — health, social care, and housing — to help sort things out together
• Those teams come and speak to me directly — not just talk about me
• I am kept updated on everything — I'm part of the conversation, not just waiting for a decision
• No threats, no "eviction letters" — just honest conversations
• Nothing about me without me — conversations about my care happen with me, not as if I'm not even there

⚠️ Core Principle

Having people around you does not automatically mean your home is safe. If the building, the equipment, the accommodation, or the support you need doesn't work for YOU — that needs to be addressed, not ignored. If we get it right from the start — working together across health, social care, and housing — people won't keep coming back because things weren't fixed properly in the first place. This isn't about blaming anyone — it's about us all doing our part for the patient.

We call upon NHS and government decision-makers, alongside leaders in social care and housing, to prioritize patient safety by implementing this patient-led traffic light system for hospital discharges across the UK. This approach not only meets patients' needs but can be a cost-effective measure — reducing readmissions, freeing up beds, and easing pressure on our emergency services. It costs nothing to ask the question — but it could save so much distress later.

Your signature is a step towards a safer, more compassionate discharge process. Please sign and share this petition to enact change across our health and care systems. Together, let's ensure every patient leaves hospital feeling heard, informed, and safe.

Harin Ellis
Petition Starter