Getting you home as smoothly as possible is our priority.
We will start to plan for your discharge as soon as you arrive (sometimes even before you arrive). We will discuss your expected date of discharge with you and/or your carer as early as possible, so you can start making plans.
This planning may include arrangements for you to receive continued nursing, rehabilitation or other support services at another facility or at home.
We aim to discharge patients by 10am each day. When you are discharged, you will be transferred to the Transit Lounge, where you will be able to wait in comfort until your family/carers can collect you, or other pre-arranged transport is provided, for example, a non-emergency ambulance to another hospital or facility.
Any medications you need to take with you can be given to you while you wait in the Transit Lounge.
Before you leave hospital, ask your nurse about:
- Your discharge summary (or letter to your family doctor/GP)
- Your medicines and make sure they have been explained to you
- Who to contact if you have any questions or concerns
- The date and time of your follow up appointment/s, if you need one
COVID positive patients
To maintain safety standards when discharging COVID positive patients, we have a plan for safe departure and pickup:
- The nominated driver will be notified of the date and time of the patient's discharge in advance, and given contact details to liaise with the relevant ward. When the nominated driver arrives, notify the ward.
- The nominated driver will then be instructed to wait in the pickup destination at the Melbourne Private Hospital Ambulance Bay off Royal Parade. Refer to The RMH Parkville Site Plan.
- Once the nominated driver has notified the ward of their arrival, the patient will be safely transported through the hospital to the pickup point.