PREPARING TO LEAVE
What to expect when you leave the hospital.
Your Hospital Stay
Discharge
The day you leave is called “discharge.” Before you leave, nurses will go over what you need to know about care.
Things to think about:
- On the day of your discharge, please have your transportation available by 11 a.m.
- Consider having someone with you the first 24 hours.
- Stock up on easy-to-make foods.
- Know whom to call in case of an emergency.
- Plan how you'll get to your next doctor visit.
- Arrange enough help so caregivers can get a break.
- Please ask for any items you stored in our safe.
Understand your medications
- Make sure you know what medications you need to take and any you may need to stop taking.
- Take all medications as directed. Know what to do if you miss a dose.
- Don’t stop taking your medications unless your doctor tells you to, even if you are feeling better.
When to call your doctor
For all emergencies, call 911. Call your doctor if you have:- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Lasting nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive bleeding or drainage at the site of your operation
- Rash, bruising or yellow skin
- Fever or chills
- Pain that is not relieved by pain medications
- Other concerns that need immediate attention
