Discharge Information

Discharge

In most cases you will be discharged in the morning. Please organise for someone to pick you up by 10.00am.  A late checkout fee may apply after this time. Please discuss any concerns you may have regarding discharge time with your nurse.

The nursing staff will assist in the arrangements for your discharge, in consultation with you and your specialist.  Please discuss any loan equipment needs with your nurse.

A discharge form will be completed by the nursing staff outlining details of your procedure, post operative care and instructions, and requirements for post-operative appointments. You will receive a copy.

Please be aware some prescriptions incur a cost.

You are not permitted by law to drive a motor vehicle the day of your anaesthetic. Please ensure arrangements have been made for you to be picked up.  Please note some procedures may restrict your ability to drive foy a period of time.

You should arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. We recommend that you rest and follow the instructions from your Surgeon and/or hospital staff.

In the first 24 hours following surgery you should not operate any heavy machinery. You are also advised not to make any important decisions, sign any legal documents or drink alcohol.

After surgery some patients are at risk of developing a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Please refer to this link for more information on Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Complications

Please refer to your surgical information hand-out for post operative guidance on pain relief, wound care, diet and activities.

When you get home, if you require immediate attention see your GP or emergency doctor – take the Discharge Summary with you.

If you need to contact your Surgeon you can ring Belverdale  Hospital and we will be able to contact the Surgeon for you. If the hospital is closed, the Hospital Manager can be contacted.

If you experience any of the following please seek medical advice

• Difficulty breathing or unusual shortness of breath
• Persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Excessive bleeding or drainage at the operative site
• Fever or chills or high temperature
• Pain that is not relieved by pain medications
• Other concerns that require immediate attention.

If you need to seek medical care following discharge please take your discharge information summary with you.