The usual time for discharge is around 11am. If you have more complex health conditions, it may take longer. You may be moved from the ward to a comfortable lounge while the paperwork for your discharge is completed.
You will be given a discharge letter, summary or form describing:
- your stay in hospital
- your recent illness
- treatment or surgery you had
- follow-up care at home
- treatment you may still need.
Your nurse can discuss this you, your whānau or carer. Now is another chance to ask any questions about:
- what happened in hospital
- what to expect after going home
- how to take your medicines
- how to perform self care tasks.
You may also get a prescription for medicines you need to collect. Sometimes, a prescription is for ‘hospital only’ medicines — you will need collect these from the hospital pharmacy.
Leaving checklist
- Pack all of your belongings, including anything kept for you in a locked cupboard.
- Check the power point next to your bed for any chargers.
- Collect all of your medicines, walking aids and other health aids.
When you are being discharged, and before you leave to go home, check that:
- you have got your written discharge summary or letter — the hospital should also send a copy to your healthcare provider
- the hospital has your correct postal address and contact details for appointments — tell the nurse or ward clerk if you will be staying somewhere else after leaving hospital
- you have asked for any medical or ACC certificates you need to be filled in
- you have got your prescription
- you know when your medicines are next due, and how to take them
- you have a plan for when you restart your regular medicines
- you know who to contact if you have questions or concerns when you get home
- you have got your follow-up appointment information or referral to another service — check you know where to go
- you have got advice on managing any dressings you have
- you have asked all your questions.
It is a good idea to pick up your prescription medicines from the hospital pharmacy or a community pharmacy on the way home from hospital. This will make sure you have the correct medicines with you when you get home.