What is hospital discharge?
Planning to leave the hospital, called discharge, begins at the time you are admitted to the hospital or even before a planned procedure. We start planning early to avoid delays and to prepare ahead. Your health care team can arrange any follow-up care you may need in time for when you leave the hospital, including equipment, supplies and community services.
They also teach you about any important changes to your medications, activity, diet, or wound care.
Usually, you will find out your day of discharge (the day you leave the hospital) within 48 hours after you are admitted to the hospital and within 4 days if you are in rehab. Your health care team will discuss your progress with you every day to assess your medical condition and your readiness for discharge.
You are discharged when your health care team decides that you no longer need medical care at the hospital and can safely leave.
We know that preparing for discharge can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially at the beginning of your care journey. Your care team will involve you and your family, substitute decision makers (SDMs), and caregivers to provide the best plan possible for your return home.
Read more about getting ready for discharge from UHN
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