Ongoing care

Planning your discharge is an important part of your hospital stay and will involve discussion with your family and support people to ensure you are fully prepared. It is important that your discharge arrangements are made before you leave hospital.

When you are ready to leave hospital, a member of your care team will discuss with you ways you can care for yourself at home and will give you information to take with you.

A member of your care team will contact your nominated support person to arrange a time for your pick up from hospital.

When it is time for you to leave you will be escorted to the front reception area to meet your support person. It is important that your discharge from hospital is as safe and easy as possible so please:

  • arrange for a responsible person to pick you up and stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure
  • do not drive your car or use heavy equipment for 24 hours after your procedure as the anaesthetic medication can cause drowsiness
  • do not sign any legal documents or make important decisions 24 hours after your procedure
  • follow the discharge information given to you
  • contact your specialist doctor or attend your closest emergency department if you have any post-procedural complications
  • speak to a member of your care team if you require any assistance with aids such as wheelchairs, crutches etc.

If you require any assistance with your discharge planning, please let us know at your preadmission assessment and we will assist you or put you in touch with someone who can. For your convenience there is a patient drop off and pick up zone at the hospital’s front entrance.

Planning your discharge
Care after going home