Why discharge takes longer than expected
Even when the doctor says “you can go today” on the morning round, leaving the ward often slips into the afternoon while the discharge summary, prescription and final dressing are completed. An early-morning booking leads to unnecessary waiting.
The day before
- Ask the ward nurse for the estimated discharge time.
- Ask how the patient should travel: stretcher or wheelchair.
- Get what is needed at home: bed, pressure mattress, dressings.
- Call to book; give both addresses, floor and lift details.
- Decide who will receive the patient at home.
On the day
Keep the discharge summary, prescription, follow-up appointment and results in one folder, collect prescribed medicines before leaving, and confirm the time with the ambulance as paperwork nears completion.
At home
Check the position and height of the bed, door and corridor widths, loose rugs, room temperature and that medicines are to hand. If there is no lift, say so in advance: moving a patient from a building without a lift. See also patient transfer ambulance.