We want to help ensure that your transition from hospital is smooth and safe. Preparing to leave hospital – also known as discharge planning – begins when you’re admitted to hospital. It helps to ensure that you and your family have all the information you need to leave hospital safely and confidently.
Discharge
If you haven’t made any discharge arrangements, please ask your nurse to contact a member of the discharge planning team for assistance.
Discharge care plan
Before you leave hospital you will receive a discharge care plan from your nurse. This includes:
- An evaluation of your condition by your health care team
- A plan for going home or transfer to another health care facility. This may include prescriptions for your medications and a referral letter to your general practitoner
- Our recommendations for any extra support you will need at home, and whether your carer/family knows how to care for you
- Referrals for home care and other community health care support you may need
- Arrangements for follow-up appointments and tests
We’ll talk to you about your discharge care plan and answer any questions or concerns you and/or your family may have. We’ll also provide you with written discharge instructions.
Before you’re discharged, make sure that you feel confident with how to manage your wound, showering, taking medications, and any other home-care instructions.
Discharge time
If you stay overnight in hospital, your expected discharge time is between 9.30am and 10:00am. Our nursing staff will let you know when you are ready to be discharged.
After surgery, you should rest for at least 12 to 24 hours (or longer, depending on your discharge advice) and arrange for someone to stay with you in case you require assistance.
If you’ve had a general anaesthetic or sedation, please don’t operate complex or dangerous equipment, such as a motor vehicle, or make any important decisions for 24 hours.
Self discharge
You’re allowed to legally discharge yourself at any time, even against the advice of your doctor or hospital staff. However, if you do so, you must accept the associated risks and sign a form taking responsibility for your actions before leaving the hospital.
