Your specialist, in consultation with you and the nursing staff, will decide when you are ready for discharge. This process is important because it ensures that your care is formally transferred from the hospital to your specialist and/or general practitioner.

Your nurse will be happy to assist you in arranging community services in preparation for your discharge. These services may include district nursing, physiotherapy, home help, personal care assistance or assessment for occupational therapy.

Inpatients

We ask that you vacate your room between 9:00am and 11:00am on the day you are discharged. Please feel free to ask us for assistance with arranging transport. Special arrangements can be made for a later discharge time, although a late discharge fee may be incurred. Should you wish to remain in hospital for a longer period to convalesce, the Ward Team Leader will be happy to discuss this option and the associated room rates with you.

Day Case Patients

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

Day Surgery Patients

Depending on your surgery and your individual recovery, patients will usually stay between 1 and 2 hours following surgery. The nursing staff will assist you to make any transport arrangements.

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.

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.