In a hospital, leaving officially after your treatment or care is complete is known as discharge.
We know that leaving hospital can be worrying and a relief. You might be unsure about how the process works, if you need supports or how they are arranged.
Your healthcare team will work with you, your family or carer to create a discharge plan that is safe and meets your needs. A discharge plan helps you to safely and smoothly leave the hospital following your stay.
If you are worried that you or your loved one is not ready to be discharged home, your healthcare team is here to listen and help. By sharing concerns early, we can work together to respond.
Patients, their families and carers who do not speak English as a first language, or who are Deaf, have the right to free, confidential and professional interpreters when they use a public health service. A member of the healthcare team will arrange an interpreter. For more information, see NSW Health Care Interpreting Services.
Planning your discharge starts as soon as you are admitted to the hospital, but your discharge date will depend on when you are fit to leave the hospital into a safe environment. A discharge plan supports you in your move from the hospital so that you feel safe, supported, and able to continue your recovery.
You can be involved in your discharge planning. You can also ask your family or carer, friends or kin to be part of your discharge planning.
Your healthcare team will ask you questions about your life and home to identify if you will need extra help when you leave the hospital. These questions may include:
All admitted patients in NSW Health hospitals should receive a discharge summary when leaving the hospital. The discharge summary should include information about the reason for admission, relevant details of their inpatient stay, including investigations and treatment, and recommendations for ongoing care and follow-up.
If you have My Health Record, you will be able to access key health information, including medication prescriptions and dispensing information and hospital discharge summaries. You can access your information on My Health Record by signing into MyGov.
It is best to ask a family member, carer, friend, or neighbour to collect you from the hospital. If you do not have anyone to collect you, or you are in a hospital a long way from home, the hospital might be able to help you.
For more information about the support available, see Transport for health.
If you need continuing health care or treatment when you leave hospital, you may be referred to community health services or outpatient services in your local health district or specialty health network.
Outpatient services are usually provided on an appointment basis. If suitable, you might be offered a virtual care outpatient appointment. This will be discussed with you by your healthcare team. For more information, see the Virtual care hub.
Your general practitioner (GP) will manage your treatment after you are discharged. You may need to make an appointment with your GP shortly after you are discharged from hospital.
Your ongoing treatment is part of discharge planning. Your healthcare team will make sure that you:
If you need help at home, you may be referred to your local community health services or community support service.
Feeling worried about returning home is very normal. We are here to listen and help.