Discharge from Hospital

You will be discharged from the hospital in the morning.  As part of discharge planning you will be notified of your discharge date in advance. 

You may be given an appointment to be seen at a later date in the Outpatients department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.  Some of your follow-up appointments may be able to occur closer to home so don’t forget to ask.  It may save you some travelling.  If you are staying in Adelaide for a while post discharge let the hospital know where you are staying in case they need to contact you about future appointments and followup.

After an admission to hospital your General Practitioner (GP) will be faxed or emailed a letter summarising your admission and follow up care requirements.  It is important to ensure we have your correct GP details.

Questions to consider ask about your discharge planning

• How will I get home?
• Do I need help making transport arrangements?
• Can my follow up be in the country or do I need to come to Adelaide?
• What time will I be discharged?
• Will I need equipment at home?
• When I am at home will I need help with dressings, shopping, cleaning?
• Have I got my PATS form signed?

REMEMBER, DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK if you are unsure of your discharge plan. 

After discharge, if you are concerned about aspects of your progress, please do not hesitate to contact your GP, or seek advice from the Clinical Nurse Consultant of the ward in which you were a patient.

How am I getting home?

Please note that all patients are responsible for their transportation home.  If you came to the Hospital by the Royal Flying Doctor Service or road ambulance from the country, you cannot necessarily utilise this service to return home.

Please plan ahead and make private arrangements for your trip home if you are well enough to travel by car, bus, train or commercial flight.  Assistance is available from the nursing staff, Social Workers, Rural Liaison Nurse and the Aboriginal Health team if required.  Remember you may be eligible for financial reimbursement via a state funded Patient Assisted Transport Scheme. 

Ambulances and the Royal Flying Doctor Service are emergency services which are only utilised to transfer you home, if medically required.  Approval is required from the Royal Adelaide Hospital medical staff.  Please be aware that you are often responsible for the cost of an approved ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor Service flight to your home address.