Discharge

You will need to think about your discharge even before you come in to hospital as there may be arrangements that you need to make. Your doctor can provide an estimate of how long you will be hospitalised and should discuss discharge plans with the nursing staff.

You will be advised of any items you may need to hire or purchase to use at home when you are discharged and you will need to arrange to have these available. A responsible adult needs to be available to take you home from hospital. If you are having major surgery you may need to have someone who is able to help you with cooking laundry or housework for a period of time after you are discharged.

If you have had a general anaesthetic and are a day stay patient you must have someone come to take you home and to stay with you overnight on that day. This is for your own safety and should not be ignored.

When you are ready to leave a staff member will assist you to the front reception if required. You will need to ensure you have the correct discharge paperwork and report to the front reception to enable you to be discharged from the premises. This is necessary under health and safety legislation to enable an accurate record to be kept of those on the premises.

Discharge time

Discharge time is normally by 11.00am. We ask that you adhere to these times to enable staff to prepare your bed area for any new admissions coming in. If you are unable to be collected before this time then you may be asked to sit in the patient sitting room to await your lift. If you do not wish to do this and wish to stay in your room then a charge may be made for each additional hour spent in your room past 11.00am.

Before you leave the ward area ensure you have:

• Your medications and/or prescriptions
• All personal items
• A copy of your discharge information form – hand in to main reception
• Discharge information/leaflet