Discharge

When your doctor believes you no longer require hospitalization, he or she will write a discharge order for you to return home or transfer to another facility. After your nurse reviews your discharge instructions with you, you will receive a signed copy to take with you. You should make arrangements with a family member or friend to provide you with transportation upon discharge.

Planning for discharge begins on admission and patients and caregivers are encouraged to take part in the process. Important questions to ask during discharge planning are:

• Can you return to your pre-admission situation?
• Has there been a change in your ability to care yourself?
• Ask your doctor or nurse when you will be discharged.
• Are you in need of services to be able to care for yourself after discharge?
• Have someone ready to pick you up when you are discharged.
• Make sure you and/or your caregiver understand the care, services or equipment you may need after you leave.
• Ask to speak to a case manager if you have questions or need help with your discharge planning.
• Check your room, bathroom, closet and bedside table for any personal items.
• Pick up any valuables you may have stored in the hospital safe.
• Take your discharge folder with you for keeping all of your hospital paperwork, including discharge instructions, prescriptions and any referrals from your doctor.

Since discharge planning process can be overwhelming, patients have access to a case manager to assist in setting up services including alternative placement, homecare, medical equipment, community services, counseling and transportation. Call 904-244-4133 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or ask your nurse to call a case manager for you.

A random selection of our patients will be contacted by phone to participate in a patient satisfaction survey. If you're feeling up to it, please take the time to give the surveyor your honest feedback.