Discharge From Hospital

Going home

We recommend that before admission you consider how you will manage at home after discharge. Will you require someone to stay with you after being discharged? How will you prepare food, do the housekeeping and shopping? Will you need any special aids?

Your doctor will tell you when they think you are well enough to go home. Your Nurse will talk to you about any special services or equipment you may need after you are discharged.

If you require assistance to organise a taxi please contact ward staff for details regarding these services.

Discharge time is usually around 09.00 am. It is recommended that you arrange a relative or friend to assist you in getting home, or alternatively a taxi will be called for you by Reception staff.

To assist with your departure, the following checklist is provided. Please ensure you have:

• Collected all current medications.
• Collected all personal X-Rays
• Collected all personal belongings
• Made any necessary follow-up appointments
• Completed the patient feedback card/form

Falls Prevention

There are usually a number of reasons for someone falling. These may include:

• Poor balance
• Incontinence
• Unfamiliar environments and obstacles
• Poor eyesight
• Unsafe footwear
• Some medicines

What can you do before being admitted?

Bring to hospital any equipment you normally use, such as spectacles and walking aids. Also bring to hospital all medicines you are currently taking, and any information relating to them.

What can you do when you are in hospital?

Always use your call bell early if you require assistance and keep it in easy reach. Take your time when getting up from sitting or lying down and let staff know if you feel unwell or unsteady on your feet.

If staff recommend that you need assistance or supervision when moving, please ask them for this assistance and wait until they come to help you. Familiarise yourself with your room, its furniture and bathroom.

If you have your prescribed walking aid, make sure it is in good condition and that you use it rather than using furniture or walls for balance. If you have spectacles, only wear your distance ones when walking. Take special care when using bifocal or multifocal glasses.

Wear comfortable clothing that is not too long or loose. Whenever you are up and about, wear comfortable, low-heeled and nonslip shoes that fit you well, rather than slippers.

Always keep your fluid levels up, because dehydration can disorient you.