Leaving the hospital
Discharge and going home
On the day of discharge, you will be discharge by 10.00 a.m.
Note that you are responsible for your transport home. Please arrange in advance for a family member or friend to take you home, unless other arrangements have been made by the hospital.
A Discharge Lounge is available for you to wait for your family member, friends or carer to collect you.
Planning your discharge
Upon admission, your doctor will tell you the expected date of discharge. If you are seen at a pre-admission clinic you will be advised how long you are expected to stay will be. During your admission your doctor will inform you of any changes to this date.
Discharge involves you, your family or carers in determining your needs on return to your life following hospitalisation.
On admission please inform nursing staff if you have community nurses or other supports in place.
The Sydney Cancer Centre, (Royal Prince Alfred and Concord hospitals) offer an extensive range of services that can address your discharge planning needs. Some of the services that can be arranged following your discharge include Community nursing, Meals on Wheels, Equipment loans, Rehabilitation services, Homecare, Specialty clinics, Outpatient appointments.
If you have any concerns about managing at home or work after the discharge from the hospital please raise these concerns with ward staff or your doctor.
On discharge you will be given details about your next appointments and a letter for your General Practitioner which explains what procedures and investigations have been carried out and what follow up and further treatment has been arranged.
Medications
Medications commenced or changed during your hospital stay that need to be continued will be given to you on discharge.
Medications are only prescribed for 5 days after discharge; further prescriptions for these medications will need to be obtained from your GP, so it is important to arrange to see your GP within 5 days.
Discuss the medications with your doctors, nurses or pharmacist so you understand why, when and how to take them.
Care at home
When you are at home if you or your family members have any question about your condition please contact the hospital on (02) 9515 6111 and ask to speak to the Cancer Nurse coordinator who has been involved in your care. If you did not have a cancer nurse coordinator please call directly to the ward in which you were a patient. If you are unwell after discharged, go to your GP, the Emergency department or contact your treating doctor.
After Hours Medical Care
If your treating team has given you specific instructions follow them otherwise contact your local Emergency Department, and advise them of your current treatment and diagnosis.