Discharge

As you recover, the next step is usually continuing your recovery at home. Our team will keep you informed about your expected discharge date so you and your loved ones can plan ahead. 

If you think you might have any difficulties returning to your usual home - for example, needing extra support, equipment or care - please let a staff member know as soon as possible. You can also ask to speak with our care coordinators. 

We’re here to help make your transition to home as safe and smooth as possible.

Before you leave - your discharge planning checklist 

During your stay, it’s important to start thinking about what you’ll need when you go home. Please speak with your nurse, doctor or care team about the following: 

• Discharge date : Knowing when you’re likely to go home helps you and your family plan ahead. 
• Living arrangements : Let us know about your home setup and whether you’ll have someone to help you. 
• Recovery expectations : Ask how long your recovery might take and what activities you may need to avoid. 
• Support needs : Talk to us if you may need extra support at home, in a rehab setting or aged care facility. 
• Equipment : We’ll help identify any equipment you might need to stay safe and independent. 

If you have any concerns about managing at home after discharge, please speak with your nurse or doctor. 

Discharge instructions

Before you leave, your nurse will go through everything you need to know for your recovery at home. This will include: 

• Follow-up care instructions and when to book any appointments. 
• Medications to take home (if needed). 
• Finalising any aftercare or support services. 

On the day of discharge: 

Make sure you’ve arranged for someone to pick you up, if needed.

If you need to vacate your bed before your transport arrives, our admission/discharge lounge is available as a comfortable waiting area. This space is suitable for patients who are able to sit up and mobilise independently.

Important safety note
If you’ve had a general anaesthetic or sedation in the last 24 hours, you must be accompanied home by a responsible adult. 

If you live alone and don’t have someone to take you home, please let the hospital know before your admission so we can help plan ahead. 

Understanding discharge planning

Discharge planning is an important part of your stay. It helps ensure a safe and smooth transition to home or to another care setting if needed. 

Our team will work with you to make sure the right clinical and community-based supports are in place before you leave. 

We also have a full-time social worker available to support referred patients and their families with discharge planning, especially if more complex care or assistance is required. 

If you have any concerns about managing after your hospital stay, please speak with your care team. We're here to help. 

Key support for discharge planning

Several people work together to make sure you’re supported when you leave hospital: 

• You and your family or carer : Let us know if you have any concerns about managing at home. 
• Your treating doctor : We'll identify any specific medical needs or recovery requirements. 
• Nursing and allied health staff : Can recommend services or support that may help, such as physiotherapy or community care. 
• Care coordinators : Provide information and help organise the support you need at home. 

By identifying your needs early, we can put the right plans in place to help you recover safely and confidently after discharge. 

Common concerns to discuss

If any of the following apply to you, please let your healthcare team know. This will help us plan the right support for your discharge: 

• You live alone.
• You care for someone else, such as a partner, child or family member. 
• You were using community services (e.g. Meals on Wheels, home nursing) before coming to hospital.
• You need help with daily tasks like showering, dressing or preparing meals. 

Please note: Community services may have limited availability and eligibility criteria can apply for government-funded support. Talking to us early gives us the best chance to find the right help for you.