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Hospital discharge
hospital discharge · discharge summary · going home from hospital · after a hospital stay
When your hospital treatment is finished and you can go home. You get a discharge summary with advice.
When hospital treatment is complete, or when you can continue treatment at home.
⏱ Duration: the paperwork usually takes from 1 to several hours on the day of discharge
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Timing. Find out the day before what time you will be discharged and who will pick you up.
- Questions. Write down your questions: medicines, activity, diet, and when to see a doctor.
- Things. Pack your things in advance, and check your bedside cabinet.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Your things and clothes for the trip home
- Your list of questions for the doctor
How it goes
- The doctor does a final check
- You get a discharge summary with your diagnosis and advice
- The doctor explains which medicines to take and how
- You are told when and which doctor to see next
- A sick note is given, if needed
- You collect your things and go home
What you'll feel
- It can feel worrying to go home. That is normal
- Weakness after hospital can last a few days
Afterwards
- Keep your discharge summary and show it to your regular doctor
- Take your medicines as advised
- See your doctor at the clinic within the stated time
Contact a doctor straight away if
- You suddenly get much worse, with severe pain, a high fever, or trouble breathing: call emergency services
- Any warning signs the doctor told you about at discharge
Common questions
What if something in the summary is unclear?
Ask the doctor before you leave. Later, you can show it to your regular doctor.
When should I see my regular doctor?
Usually in the first days after discharge. The exact timing is written in your advice.