The discharge process is important because it ensures that your care is formally transferred from the hospital to your specialist and/or general practitioner.

The nursing staff will assist in the arrangements for your discharge, in consultation with you and your specialist. A discharge form will be completed by medical or nursing staff and will contain details of the procedure performed and instructions relating to it.

Day Stay patients

Your length of stay may vary between 2 and 8 hours depending on your specialist’s and your nurse’s assessment.

Overnight patients

If you have stayed overnight, we ask that you vacate your room by 10:00am on the day you are discharged, so please feel free to ask us to arrange your transport accordingly. If this is not possible or convenient, you are welcome to wait in any of the patient or visitor lounges. If you wish to remain in your room after 10:00am on the day you are leaving, please discuss this with the Clinical Nurse Manager the day before. This will depend on bed availability, and a late-discharge fee may apply. Should you wish to remain in hospital for a longer period to convalesce, the Clinical Nurse Manager or Hospital Manager will be happy to discuss this option and the associated room rates with you.

Transport

You should not drive yourself home after discharge. Please arrange to be taken home by a relative or friend in a private car, or use a taxi (we recommend that you do not use public transport). If this is a concern, please ask our staff for assistance.

When you get home

You should arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours after you get home. We recommend that you rest and follow the instructions of your doctor and/or hospital staff. If you require extra care at home we can arrange that for you.

Important note for first 24 hours

In the first 24 hours following surgery you should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery.
You are also advised not to make any important decisions, sign any legal documents or drink alcohol.

If you require medical advice after your discharge please ring your specialist or general practitioner.