Going home

Your discharge from hospital and any future care that is required needs to be carefully planned and therefore discharge planning is a process that starts as soon as you are admitted to hospital, or during the pre-assessment period for planned surgery. You will be given an estimated discharge date for your discharge, where possible, so that you are aware of how long you need to stay in hospital and so that you and your family/carers can start making arrangements for your discharge from hospital.

The Multidisciplinary Team will work with you and your family/carers to ensure that all of your discharge needs are met and that preparations are put in place for your discharge home at the earliest opportunity.

On the day of your discharge home you will be transferred to the discharge lounge within the hospital. You will be able to wait here for medication, hospital transport or for your family/carers to collect you. The discharge lounge is staffed by qualified nursing staff and support workers and is open from 08.30 – 7.00pm.

A letter will be sent to your family doctor regarding the treatment you have received and any plans for your future treatment. A social worker will visit you if you need support back home.

Please make sure you discuss any concerns you may still have about your treatment or any on-going care with your nurse or doctor before you leave.

• Make sure you understand how to take medicines that have been prescribed for you to take home.

• You will be given a copy of the hospital doctors letter, which you should take to your GP surgery as soon as possible.

• If you are to attend an outpatient clinic or day centre, make sure you have a note of the date and time, unless you are going to be notified later.

• If you need transport for your next appointment, check that this has been arranged before you leave the ward.

• Don't forget to give your nurse an address to which mail can be forwarded.