When you leave

Leaving hospital (discharge)

We aim to discharge you home as soon as you are well enough to leave hospital.  We will discuss with you your discharge plan and available services to assist in your recovery. Your discharge plan may include extra support services at a different facility, home or follow up appointments.

You may be discharged from the ward at any time during the day. Before leaving you will need to arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital.

Please check that you have:

• Arranged transport home prior to discharge
• Collected all personal belongings, X-rays and medications
• Discharge medications and any scripts required
• Follow-up appointments (if necessary)
• Travel forms signed (if necessary)
• Medical certificate for your employer or sickness benefits if required
• Medical discharge summary for your general practitioner
• Referral forms (if services have been arranged for you)

Please note, if you require a medical certificate it needs to be requested prior to discharge so we can have it ready for you to take home.

Transport and transfers home

You will need to arrange private transport home. Ambulance transport will be organised if your care team determines it is necessary. There are public parking and transport options available.

Transit lounge

On the day of discharge, you may be transferred to the Transit Lounge. It is located on the Ground floor and has direct access to short term parking.  While you wait to be picked up, nursing staff make sure you’re comfortable, offering food, drinks and if necessary medication. Staff can help you to arrange a taxi and direct you to the nearest bus stops.
Phone: (07) 3883 7340
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday 8.00am–8.00pm, Saturday 9.00am–3.30pm and public holidays 9.00am–3.30pm

Pick up

There is a car park and a 2-minute pick-up bay next to the Transit Lounge in front of the hospital.

Walking aids and other equipment are not supplied outside the hospital grounds. The physiotherapist or your family will need to make arrangements to hire appliances or aids from a private supplier.

Self-discharge

If you wish to leave the hospital against the advice of your doctor, you will be asked to sign a form to this effect.

Medication when you leave

Make sure you know which medications  to take once you are discharged. Your nurse can contact the ward pharmacist if you have any questions.

Concerns after you leave hospital

Contact your GP or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if you have any problems after you leave the hospital. If you require urgent care call Triple Zero (000) or visit your local Emergency Department.

Medical records

Your medical record is confidential and is accessed only by healthcare professionals directly involved with your treatment. The medical record is the property of the hospital, and the information contained in the record will normally only be provided with your consent or where required by law.

Ongoing care

Before you leave hospital we will plan for your ongoing care after your discharge. This is to ensure you are prepared and have support in the community during your recovery.

Modifying your home

After your hospital visit, you may need to make some adjustments to carry out daily activities and ensure your safety at home. Our Occupational Therapist may advise on changes, equipment or additional support to ensure your safety at home.

Follow up appointments (outpatient appointments)

Your doctor will notify you if you are required to have a follow up outpatient appointment. This can be 6–8 weeks after your procedure.