Leaving hospital

Arrangements for your discharge home will be discussed with you at an early stage to ensure these go smoothly.

If appropriate your relatives may be involved.  It may take a little time for staff to ensure that everything is in place, for example, to arrange medication or transport.  We will also plan with you and your family the help you need after you leave hospital.

Before discharge, please make sure that you have appropriate outdoor clothes and that you will be able to get into your home.

On the day you are to be discharged, you will receive a copy of your discharge summary to take home, and any medication.

You will be transferred to the discharge lounge, which is comfortable and convenient for you to be collected by a relative or hospital transport (for those who meet the criteria).  This is a safe environment to wait in while your discharge is completed, and meals can be provided while you wait.

If you are going home by taxi the team will help you arrange this.

If you are entitled to hospital transport, ward staff will advise them to collect you from the lounge.

Sometimes delays do occur, we will always aim to reassure you and try to answer any questions whilst you wait and ensure your discharge is as safe as possible for you and your needs.

Once a doctor has prescribed your medication the pharmacy discharge team will review the prescription and identify what medication is required.  They will ask you if you have any medicines at home and check if you already have a supply in your locker.

Any new medication will be supplied, labelled with full instructions.  We will ensure you have at least two weeks' supply of your medicine on discharge.

A range of common medicines for discharge are available on the wards but in some cases, the prescription will be sent to the pharmacy for additional items.

A nurse or member of the pharmacy team will discuss any changes to your medication and answer any questions that you may have.  The patient information leaflet provided with your medicines will provide further information.  If you require any additional help to manage your medicines such as large print labels or a reminder card please let the pharmacy team know.

Your GP will be informed of any changes to your medication and in most cases will prescribe further supplies.  Occasionally the hospital will continue to prescribe your medication and we will tell you if that is the case.