About Your Discharge

LENGTH OF STAY POLICY:
A hospital committee of physicians and specially trained nurses routinely reviews all patients who are hospitalized to determine whether or not they should remain in the hospital. If it is found that a patient no longer requires hospitalization, the committee notifies the patient. Patients who remain in the hospital following receipt of the notice will, as a requirement of existing law, become immediately ineligible for insurance coverage for any additional time in the hospital.

CHECKING OUT:
Your doctor will order your discharge. Please make arrangements with a family member or friend to assist you when it is time to leave the hospital. If you have any questions regarding your discharge instructions please speak to your primary nurse before leaving. The discharge time is 11:00 am. The person picking you up should park in the visitors parking lot in front of the hospital. Parking in front of the building is prohibited. The person picking you up should go to the floor and report to the nurses station for further instructions. All patient discharges are made through the front lobby. If you are to be escorted from the building by hospital personnel, your driver may precede you to pick up the car and drive to the front door.

TRANSPORTATION:
If you need to arrange transportation, please speak with your nurse to assist you in getting bus and taxi information.

HOME CARE SERVICES:
Social workers, case managers and discharge planning nurse coordinators will work with your physician to provide you with an optimum plan of care upon discharge. If indicated, they will assist with the selection of a visiting nurse, hospice, or other community health services, or a specialized setting such as a rehabilitation center or a nursing home. If you are not in need of any home services, please have a family member or friend available to assist you upon discharge.

AMBULANCE SERVICE:
If your medical condition requires that you need an ambulance service, your physician will have the Social Service or Admitting Department make the arrangements.

PATIENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
A patient questionnaire will be mailed to you several days after you leave the hospital. You will be asked to comment on the care and services you have received during your stay. Your suggestions and ideas are carefully reviewed by top level staff members who are always interested in maintaining and improving the quality of service at the hospital. Please return the completed questionnaire, as we welcome your input, so we can provide very good care.