Leaving hospital
Your discharge
When you are discharged you will require someone to drive or accompany you home.
For day patients, please ensure this is arranged before you are admitted. Day Surgery patients can be met in our Discharge Lounge on Level 4 Clark Tower, near Chapman Surgical Centre.
Endoscopy & Procedures Centre patients can be met in the EPC Discharge Lounge on Level 4 of the Tulloch Building, adjacent to the Endoscopy & Procedures Centre. For the first 24 hours after your procedure it is important that you:
- Do not drive a car
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not remain on your own (unless approved by your specialist)
- Do not make complex or legal decisions
We advise you to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours after a procedure. You may be asked to follow detailed instructions, including medication instructions, after you leave hospital. Having someone with you during these discussions is important following administration of an anaesthetic.
For overnight patients, discharge time is before 10.00am.
The majority of patients will return directly home however some patients may require community support services, transfer to another facility or require rehabilitation. Your health care team will assist in making the necessary arrangements, including any home care. If you think you will require assistance, please speak to your nurse or Case Manager, or ask to speak to a Social Worker.
Please arrange your transport home by 10:00am. Patients remaining after this time on the day of discharge will be transferred to our Discharge Lounge on Level 4 Clark Tower, near the Chapman Surgical Centre.
The Discharge Lounge is open
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
9.00am - 4.00pm
Our Discharge Lounge nurses and volunteers will ensure you are safe, comfortably seated in a recliner chair and provided with light refreshments until your transport arrives. Should discharge medications be required they will be picked up from our inpatient pharmacy on route to the discharge lounge. Please make sure you take your personal belongings, valuables, medications and X-rays home with you.
You may be given a discharge form when you leave the ward and need to see one of our discharge clerks at Access Centre on Level 4 Clifford Tower. You may need to finalise your hospital account before leaving.