Going home
Your doctor will decide when you are ready to leave the hospital. Your doctor or your nurse will explain and discuss with you any special needs or assistance that you may need to plan for when you get home. A clinical pharmacist will also explain your medication to you before you go home. A copy of your discharge summary will also be given to you before you leave. Having this information before you leave the hospital helps to ensure a smooth move home and continued progress with your recovery. If you have any concerns about your discharge, please discuss these with your nurse or doctor.
Your discharge must be completed before 11am. It is important that you leave no later than 11am so that your room can be prepared for the next patient who is booked for admission. We suggest you make arrangements for a family member or friend to help you leave the hospital and return home.
Outstanding charges
Before going home you must pay for any chargeable services you have received during your stay. You can do this on the morning of your departure, at the cashiers’ office located in the main entrance to the hospital, using cash or a credit card. For your convenience, automated cash machines are located close to the main entrance of the hospital.
Special medical equipment
Patients who need to use any medical equipment when they go home may borrow it from the hospital, based on availability. There is a nominal charge for this service. For more details, ask your assigned nurse to contact a case manager. Case managers work to co-ordinate and facilitate arrangements and make sure all patient needs are met when they are leaving hospital.
Self discharge or refusal of treatment
Every patient has the right to make their own decisions about their health and the healthcare they receive. This includes the right to accept or refuse treatment and leave the hospital against medical advice. However, if you choose to do this, you will be advised of the consequences of your decision and asked to sign a release form, which will be placed in your medical record. The release form will also explain any expected or possible consequences of your decision.
Follow-up appointments
Your nurse or ward clerk will arrange for a follow-up appointment in the Outpatient Department if one is necessary. The follow-up appointment will be recorded on an appointment card and given to you at the time of your discharge.
Discharge medication
Your nurse will provide you with a prescription for medication prescribed by your doctor. Medication can be collected from the pharmacy between 7am and 4pm. The pharmacy is located next to the Outpatient Department on the ground floor. If you are discharged during the weekend, medication can be collected from 1pm to 4pm. Your medications will be explained to you by a pharmacist in detail. You can pay for your medication in the pharmacy. Please direct any questions or concerns you have about your drug therapy to your pharmacist.
Wheelchair assistance and bell boy service
If required, there is a wheelchair service to take you from your room to your car. Your assigned nurse can arrange this. For transportation of your personal belongings to the car, contact the ward clerk who can arrange for a porter to help you.
