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Coming in for an operation, procedure or delivery?

When you leave

Coming to hospital can be an anxious time for some people. The following information will assist in reducing this anxiety by helping you prepare for your discharge. Planning to go home begins even before coming to hospital.

If you are unsure of any of the following please contact your admitting doctor's rooms:

  • How long will I be in hospital?
  • What should I expect during my recovery period?
  • How long will my recovery take?
  • Will there be any restrictions on my activities after leaving hospital?
  • Will I need ongoing physiotherapy?
  • Will I need to change my medicines?

The length of your hospital stay will be determined by many factors, and your doctor and hospital staff will keep you informed of your progress at all times.

Planning for your after hospital care can make a big difference to your recovery. It is important to think ahead and make sure you have enough support when you return home.

If you have any questions pertaining to being discharged from hospital, please phone our Discharge Coordinator on 08 8202 7232.

Discharge after a short stay (day) procedure

Burnside Hospital is committed to the provision of high quality care for all patients and our aim is to make your time with us as comfortable, pleasant and as safe as possible. To ensure this is possible the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in conjunction with the Burnside Hospital recommends that:

  • You will not be able to drive after your procedure for 24 hours or as advised by your surgeon and/or anaesthetist.
  • You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home.
  • If you are having a day procedure and you are living alone, you must make arrangements for a responsible adult (over the age of 18) to care for you overnight.
  • You should stay within a one hour journey of a medical facility following your discharge.

If the above options are not possible, please discuss alternatives with your doctor. It is important to note that admission to hospital overnight is not an option unless clinically required. Burnside Hospital will not accept responsibility for patients who are unable to comply with these recommendations.

Discharge time following a day procedure varies as it depends on your surgery and your recovery.

Discharge after overnight or longer stays

Please note that for patients who have stayed overnight, including maternity patients, you should be prepared to leave Burnside Hospital by 10am. If you are not able to arrange transport until later in the day, we will assist you to a patient lounge where you will have access to local telephones and very comfortable surrounds.

If you foresee any problems with arranging transport or in-home care, please discuss this with our preadmission nurse prior to coming to hospital as they can provide information on the community services available or may refer you onto our Case Manager Discharge Coordinator for more complex discharge planning arrangements.

Maternity patients

Please note that for patients who have stayed overnight, including maternity patients, you should be prepared to leave Burnside Hospital by 10am. If you are not able to arrange transport until later in the day, we will assist you to a patient lounge where you will have access to local telephones and very comfortable surrounds.

Maternity Service patients will also need to ensure that a baby capsule has been fitted to the car for safe transport of their newborn.

Discharge after your sleep study

Your sleep study ends at approximately 6.15am. An en-suite bathroom is provided for your convenience and a light breakfast is served at 7.00am, followed by discharge at 7:30am.

Please inform the technician if you need to depart earlier.

Discharge checklist

Upon discharge please ensure that you have the following:

  • Your personal belongings (including - contents of the safe in your room)
  • All x-rays or scans (including any that were taken whilst you were in Hospital)
  • Discharge medications

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding with any procedure.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding with any procedure.