You can expect to be involved in the preparation and planning for going home.  An expected date of discharge may have been given to you on admission.  You should be aware that this date may be bought forward or delayed, depending on your medical condition.  We believe when your health permits you should be able to go home. On the day of discharge, in order to prepare the room promptly for subsequent admissions, please arrange to leave the hospital by 10.30am.

Discharge

Management of your treatment may continue after you leave hospital and return home.  Before you are discharged the hospital will make sure that you and your relatives, carers or friends involved in your care know how to look after you at home. Please do not hesitate to ask for treatment programs to be written out for you if you have any doubts.  Your doctor or nurse will answer any questions you may have and will arrange necessary support services such as District Nursing, Personal Care, Rehabilitation, Meals on Wheels, or Home Help.

Please check that any follow up appointments have been made and that your medication requirements have been arranged prior to discharge.

Discharge normally occurs between 9.00am and 11.00am.  If you are having a day procedure you will be discharged on the same day.  You must make arrangements for someone to drive you home, as legally you are not able to drive a motorised vehicle for a minimum of 24 hours post-anaesthetic.  It is recommended that you have someone stay with you overnight for this post-anaesthetic period.

Discharge at Own Risk

With few exceptions (for example in case of infectious diseases) you have the right to leave hospital when you choose.  This may be a serious step when taken against the advice of your doctor and could pose a significant threat to your well-being.

If you choose to be discharged under these circumstances you will be asked to sign a disclaimer form and the responsibility for this action will rest with you.

Transfer to another Facility

Sometimes it is necessary to transfer patients to another hospital, nursing home or healthcare facility.  This is only done in consultation with you and your carer/family or in emergency situations.  Transfer may be by air or road ambulance, or hospital/volunteer transport service, depending on reason for transport.

Continuing Care

After discharge you may need assistance from community based care services. With your consent, our staff will ensure appropriate referrals are made for you and services arranged.

Community Services

Bass Coast Health’s Community Services team provide services and programs that can be tailored to your needs. This includes assistance with goal setting and creating a care plan you are comfortable with.

Any person of any age can access community services.  You may be referred while staying in hospital, be self-referred or be referred by a doctor, Health Worker or other services.
Individual service information can be found under Services tab or click here.

Fees to Community Services

A fee for service is applicable for most services. Fees are determined according to income and a person’s ability to pay with some services free of charge.

The services provided are affordable and accessible through the generosity of our funding bodies, the community and donators.  Difficulty or inability to pay will not be a barrier to receiving treatment or service.