TOP TIPS WHEN YOU’RE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL
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oming into hospital can be a daunting experience and we understand that for most patients and family members it can be a very anxious time.
So, the hospital will look after you and make it as stress free as they can. During your admission, the doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists will monitor your progress and recovery on a daily basis.
summary, which will be sent to your GP to inform them of what has occurred during your stay. Don’t be afraid of asking staff to go through the care plan again and explain anything you might not understand or is unclear. We would rather you asked and were completely clear before you got home, especially about medication which is so important. • You might be able to be discharged straight to your own home. • Some patients have more complex needs and may require further inpatient care in a community hospital. • Others might need social care support at home which may include carers who assist with washing, dressing and toileting – this is known as a package of care. • While others may need short-term physio or occupational therapy input in their home or in a care home. This is known as intermediate care. • A few may need a placement in a residential or nursing home setting.
The decision that you are well enough to leave hospital may came at very short notice, so it is important to discuss any discharge concerns you may have with the team as soon as you are able to and be as prepared and ready when the time comes. Things to think about are how you will get home or where you might be staying or who with while you recover. You might be feeling much better when it comes to leaving hospital, but all the daily domestic tasks you did without any difficulty before hospital, could well be impossible until you are feeling fit and well again – so maybe you will have to enlist some help ahead of time? For the majority, the discharge process will be fairly straightforward. Once you are informed that you are ready to leave hospital you can telephone your relatives, or friends and carers to collect you that day.
The hospital discharge coordinator assigned to your ward and the hospital Complex Discharge Team (consisting of nurses and social workers) will organise these alternative different ways of being discharged. Also, don’t forget to ensure you or your family or carers know who to call if you need help, will it be the hospital ward or your GP?
You will be provided with a supply of any new medication and information, called a care plan
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