Getting ready to leave

Hospital staff will commence discharge planning on your admission. We aim to discharge you at 10:00 am, allowing other patients to start treatment. We supply you with a discharge plan outlining any equipment, medications, follow-up appointments, or information you need about your recovery or condition when you leave the hospital.

As a patient or carer, ensure you clearly understand all discharge instructions. We will always involve patients in finalising discharge plans.

If you have any questions about your discharge plan, talk to your clinical team before leaving the hospital.

The patient discharge lounge is located on Level 3, 3A471, on the right as you enter the RAH main entrance and is open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Patients who have been medically cleared for discharge can wait here to be collected by carers or loved ones.

Lounge amenities include:

• comfortable chairs and a television
• complimentary water, tea, coffee and biscuits
• phone charging capabilities
• closely located to toilets and the food court
• close to transport needs including ambulance, taxi, private vehicle or public transport.

You will be asked to use the patient discharge lounge when your medical team confirm you are ready for discharge and meet the criteria for this space.

It is important that you remember to take all of your personal belongings with you when leaving hospital, including dental consumables and aids.

It is important that you take medication as prescribed when you leave the hospital to assist in recovery and manage your condition. All medication must be taken home, including those brought in with you.

Pharmacists at the RAH will ensure you have been prescribed the correct medication and will educate you on how and when to take them, potential side effects and any changes made to your medications during your hospital stay.

If you have any questions regarding new medications or changes to your current medications, ask the hospital pharmacists before you leave. Medication no longer required by patients can be given to hospital pharmacists so they can be safely disposed of.

Note that all hospital patients, irrespective of their admission status, are obliged to pay for prescribed medication administered through the hospital upon discharge.

Some patients may be issued with medical equipment when you are discharged from hospital. This may be to assist in your recovery, managing your condition and to help you be more independent at home.

Staff will determine what equipment you will require when you leave hospital and will help you organise which department to get it from. Medical equipment supplied could be crutches, a commode chair or more complex equipment like oxygen therapy equipment.

You will also be given instructions on how to properly and safely use discharge equipment when you receive it, and how to return to the hospital once no longer needed.

Crutches are hired through Independent Living Specialists (ILS). Contact their team for any questions about their use.

All patients are responsible for arranging their own transport home, regardless of how they arrived.

Please have your transport arrangements made the day prior to your discharge.

Hospital in the Home (HITH) provides inpatient care to patients in the community as a substitute for treatment in hospital. This helps people to return home sooner or, in some instances, avoid a hospital admission altogether. Care can be provided in your home, at one of our clinics or via telehealth, where suitable. The service is free for Medicare-eligible patients.

HITH operates 365 days a year and provides 24-hour telephone support.

HITH staff are employed by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN).

Speak to your healthcare team to see if HITH may be a suitable option for you. This service is by referral only. Please call the number below to find out more.

After you leave the RAH, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to undergo a check-up or specialist treatment. As you are attending the hospital for an appointment but are no longer required to stay, you are called an outpatient.

You will be advised prior to your discharge of any necessary follow up appointments as an outpatient. It is very important to keep these appointments to make sure you receive the best possible care, after your discharge from hospital. Check whether your follow up appointments can be closer to home.

Your general practitioner (GP) will also be faxed or emailed a letter summarising your admission and follow up care requirements, so it is important to ensure we have your correct GP details.