Who are we?
The Early Supported Discharge team receives referrals from the acute Birmingham hospitals (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Heartlands Hospital).
We provide a specialist early rehabilitation service (up to a maximum of six weeks) following hospital discharge. ESD provides at home therapy for people who have had a new stroke or neurological condition, living within Good Hope Hospital's ESD catchment area. We can give advice on other services covering other localities if required.
We are a team that includes Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Therapy Support Workers.
Patients with ongoing speech or swallowing difficulties will be referred to the Speech and Language Therapists. This service aims to help people to overcome and/or adapt communication and can advise on safe ways to eat and drink.
What we do?
We work Monday-Friday between 08:30 and 16:30.
- Provide specialist individualised, patient-centred Stroke and Neuro rehabilitation to people in their home environment promoting independence and recovery.
- Provide advice and training to our patients and their carers/relatives.
- Joined up working with other services and agencies to provide streamlined, holistic care to our service users.
Delivering Your Care
What will happen at the first appointment?
The therapists will visit and complete assessments to determine patient-centred goals and a treatment plan.
How do the other appointments work?
The frequency of visits and length of time with the service is dependent on rehabilitation needs and will be discussed throughout. Follow-up appointments will be arranged on an individual basis.
What happens after ESD?
Options will be discussed towards the end of ESD’s input, and if required an onward referral can be made to an appropriate service. Waiting lists for these services vary, are outside of ESD’s control and patients will be advised accordingly, if information is available.
Contact information
Telephone contact details:
Email address:
Last reviewed: 11 April 2025