Leaving Kingston Hospital

While you are with us, we will make plans with you to make sure you get the best care once you leave Kingston Hospital.

Once your treatment is completed, it is important that you move on. Research shows your health deteriorates if you stay in hospital too long.

You will be able to leave us knowing your future care needs have been decided – whether you are going home, to a rehabilitation unit, to a nursing home or to live with your family.  

Planning your discharge

The most important person is the nurse in charge of your ward. We may need to use a discharge co-ordinator too and, with your permission, we also consult your family and carers.

You may also see:

• A physiotherapist, who can see how physically ready you are to leave
• An occupational therapist, who assesses how well you will cope at home
• A district nurse
• Any other specialist

Where next?

Home:
Ideally, we want you to be in your own home. If you need help, the ward staff and therapists will work with Social Services. There is also an Intermediate Care Team who can help you with rehabilitation at home.

Residential care/nursing home:
If you are not able to return home, we will help you to choose the best place for you. We hope you will be able to move in within two or three days; if not, you may have to go on a waiting list and move elsewhere for now. That is because staying too long in a hospital bed is not good for your health. 

Going home

You should make your own transport arrangements. If you are not well enough, hospital transport can be arranged. 

You need to leave your ward by 10am on your day of discharge. If that is not possible, we will transfer you to the discharge lounge, where you will continue to receive care before leaving.

We will give you:

• A pack containing all the arrangements that have been made for your discharge
• The phone numbers you may need if you want further information
  

We may give you:

• An appointment card if a doctor needs to see you in Outpatients
• Two weeks’ supply of tablets, with a letter to your GP so that they can arrange a repeat prescription
• A letter to give the district nurse if one is visiting