In these challenging economic times, with change and cost saving being predominant features in the NHS, I offer you, the reader, a thought: The faster the speed at which you travel, the further ahead you need to look , to adapt current practice, and align it to future needs, to deliver value for money. Liz Lees Timely Discharge From Hospital is aimed at practitioners working in acute, community, intermediate and ambulatory care settings; all areas of practice are featured. Each section is arranged in themes but written to stand alone, allowing the reader to dip in and out. The book is further enhanced by a comprehensive selection of case studies. Part 1: Fundamental perspectives of practice there are 3 leading chapters which set the scene for the discharge of patients from hospital. Part 2: The UK perspective there are 4 chapters which demonstrate policy, practice and progress regarding discharge planning in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Part 3: Education and training there are 3 chapters which interface theory with practice providing a sense of direction in education to lead and support practitioners wishing to develop mechanisms for training. Part 4: Multi professional considerations of patient discharge in practice there are 7 chapters which explore the contribution of different professionals to timely discharge practice. The Nursing coordination & complex discharge issues, Pharmacy, PALs, Medicine, Occupational Therapy and Bed management are all featured. Part 5: Case examples in practice There are 14 pragmatic cases which illuminate practice points from a clinical perspective.