Discharge Planning
Leaving the hospital is an important step in your care journey, and we begin planning for this transition from the moment you arrive. Our team works closely with you, your caregivers, and community providers to ensure you have the support, information, and services you need for a safe and well‑coordinated move home or to the next appropriate care setting.
Leaving Providence Care Hospital
Our goal is to ensure patients are receiving “the right care in the right place,” according to their individual care needs. Once a patient no longer requires the level of care provided in the inpatient hospital setting, it is in his or her best interest to leave Providence Care Hospital and return home or to a more appropriate care setting. Planning for discharge starts as soon as a patient arrives, so that required care and services are in place after the hospital stay.
Discharge planning
Patients, clients, families, the care team and community-based care providers such as family doctors and home care services, can all be involved in discharge planning for the transition home from the hospital. Working together will ensure a smooth departure and help everyone be prepared.
Discharge time is at 10 a.m. (with the exception of patients receiving inpatient palliative and forensic mental health services where the processes are unique). That means patients and clients leaving inpatient care can expect to transition mid-morning.
We know that leaving the hospital may be stressful as there are many things to keep in mind. When you are being discharged:
- Ask for explanations and written instructions about your care and your medications.
- Make sure you and/or your caregiver (family, friend) understand the instructions, including what medications to take, how to take them, and when to take them.
- Ask and be informed of appointments that have to be made when you leave the hospital, how to contact the providers, and to understand the reason for each appointment and what information you will need to bring with you.
- Know who you should call if you have questions after discharge – write down contact names and phone numbers, or have a member of the care team provide this information to you in writing.
For more information about discharge planning and the discharge process please speak to a member of your care team.
