Before you leave hospital
Now you’re in hospital and, like most people, you would like to go home as soon as possible. That’s why when you start feeling better, you can expect us to make decisions together to get you home and back to your own routine.
This means getting back to doing the things that really matter to you such as making a cup of tea when you want, looking after your garden, or being with your loved ones or pets.
At the end of the day nothing is better than your own bed. Good sleep is important for recovery. At home you will have the comfort of your own bed, without the noise and clatter of a busy hospital.
Going home
Once you have had the care you need in hospital, research shows that going home will help you get better much faster. So, it’s important that we work together to get you home when it is safe to do so.
If you need it, we will provide extra help for you at home, or close by, to make sure you’re continuing to get better.
- We will help you plan your departure and give you advice on how to take care of yourself.
- You may need details about your condition, medication, and the treatment that you will need once you are back home.
- Depending on your diagnosis, dietitians, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists may be available to help before you leave the hospital.
- Staff will also tell you about follow up appointments, rehabilitation and support services that can help with problems you may have after leaving hospital. Sometimes patients need help with health and social care after leaving hospital. A social worker will visit you if you have additional needs, once you are back at home.
- Don’t forget to ask your nurse for any medical certificates you need and any valuables you handed in for storage before you go.
Making sure you have the medication you need
When you are ready to leave hospital, the medications which you still need will be explained to you and you will be given a small supply before leaving the ward. We will give you a green bag with your medications in and a discharge letter, detailing the medicines that you are going home with. Your GP will also receive a copy of this letter.
When you are back home, you will need to make an appointment with your GP to get any further medication you will need and talk about your ongoing health needs. It’s important to do this before your supply of medication runs out.
Arranging your transport home
When you are ready to leave the hospital you will need to arrange your own transport home. You can arrange for someone to collect you or travel home either on your own or with someone else in a taxi. Hospital staff can give you contact details of local taxi companies.
Some people will need to leave hospital in an ambulance or “hospital transport”. The hospital team will decide if this is needed and will make the arrangements for you.
