Discharge Planning
Your child's physician, in collaboration with other members of the health care team, will decide when it is appropriate to discharge your child from the Hospital. The family is included in this planning process. You will generally be notified the day prior to discharge that your child can go home. The registered nurse works collaboratively with care coordinators, social workers, physicians and other Hospital departments in planning for discharge and for continued care following hospital discharge. You will receive a discharge notice and discharge instructions that will include information on managing care at home, home care assistance, safe and effective use of medication and equipment, pain management, overall safety, modified diets, food/drug interactions, and follow-up care. Do not hesitate to ask your nurse to explain discharge instructions, including:
- Ask for information about your child's medicines in terms you can understand both when the medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.
- Ask for information about home health care assistance
- When your child is being discharged from the hospital, ask the doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain the treatment plan you will use at home, including feeding and nutrition information
- Ask for medical records and a copy of the discharge summary
Discharge time is 10 am and every effort is made to maintain this time.
If your child is an infant or toddler, remember to bring a safety seat for the ride home.
