When You Leave
Discharge planning is an important part of any hospital admission. It plays an important role in ensuring a smooth move from hospital to home. This is achieved by making sure that appropriate clinical and community based support services are in place if required.
There are a number of people that can help plan your discharge:
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You and your family or carer(s) can alert us if your circumstances are such that you may need additional support in the community
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Your treating doctor can help identify any special requirements you may have
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Nursing and Allied Health staff may help identify services that you may require and arrange any services needed to support you at home immediately after discharge
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Hospitals are responsible for making sure all issues that may affect your care after discharge are addressed before you leave the hospital
If you would like to discuss your discharge needs prior to admission, contact the Pre Admission Coordinator on 8876 9387.
Your doctor will tell you when he or she thinks you are well enough to go home. Nursing and Allied health staff will talk to you about any special services or equipment you may need after you are discharged.
It is vital that any special needs following discharge are identified early so that the appropriate discharge plans can be made. We encourage patients to discuss any issues with the health care team. These issues may be present for individuals who:
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live alone
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are responsible for another person e.g. Frail partner, young children
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used community services prior to admission to hospital e.g. Meal on Wheels, community nurses
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require assistance to care for yourself e.g. showering
It is important that you consider all available options for care at home if your care needs have altered. Please note: Community services are not always readily available and not all patients are eligible for funded services
Your Discharge Planning Checklist:
These are the major factors to be considered in discharge planning. It is important for you to discuss the following with the hospital staff during your stay in hospital.
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Your expected date of discharge – this will help you plan your return home
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Inform the hospital of your living arrangements – e.g. do you live alone, is there someone who can assist you when you go home, what services you currently receive, are you the carer for someone in your home
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Expectations regarding your recovery and how long it will take to recover
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Any possible restrictions on your activities e.g. lifting, driving a car
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Your ability to cope at home either with or without a carer needs to be considered carefully – do you need to go to a nursing home or will you require community support services such as assistance with medication or cleaning
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Any equipment requirements to assist in your recovery and independence
Community Nursing, Home Help and Personal Care Services:
Community Services are provided by a number of different organisations, many of whom have been providing this service for many years.
Home and Community Care (HACC) services are community services funded by the Commonwealth and State Government and are accessible for frail older people over 65 years, people with disabilities and their carers. The HACC program can provide domestic assistance, personal care, food services, community respite, transport and some home maintenance. There are fees associated with HACC services. However if you are concerned about your financial circumstance please let us know - the focus of HACC is to ensure that those who are eligible receive the support they require regardless of their income.
If you are not eligible for a HACC funded service or they have not been able to accept your referral (HACC services are limited), you may need to access your services under a “user pays” model from a service provider.
For eligible veterans and war widows a HACC funded service is offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Veteran’s Home Care service offers domestic assistance, garden maintenance and respite care to entitled veterans and war widows. There is a small charge for domestic assistance and garden maintenance.
Discharge Information
Discharge time is at 9.00 am. It is recommended that you arrange a relative or friend to assist you in getting home, or alternatively a taxi will be called for you by Reception staff.
We endeavour to get you home quicker and healthier, so you can spend more time with the ones you love.
Before you leave the Hospital, our staff will give you full instructions about dressings, medications and follow-up appointments. Please do not hesitate to ask the nurse looking after you.
Day Surgery patients are reminded that you will be unable to drive home, so please make arrangements for a responsible person to drive you home. For the first 24 hours, it is important if you have been given any form of sedation, that you DO NOT: drive, drink alcohol or remain on your own – you must have a responsible adult to stay with you overnight.
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