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Need to Cancel / Change an Appointment visit: Cancel or change your appointment? :: Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (dgt.nhs.uk)

Appointment text reminder service: Appointment text reminder service :: Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (dgt.nhs.uk) somewhere on here so people are directed to this page? Any suggestions of how this is possible are very welcome. 

 

 

Going home

Preparing to leave hospital

Hospital staff should make sure:

  • you can get home
  • you have your care plan and your care home has a copy, if you live in one
  • you have any medicine you need and know how to take it
  • you can use new equipment, such as crutches
  • your GP knows you have been discharged
  • you know how to get help from a district nurse if you need it, or when to expect a visit

After a general anaesthetic, you must make arrangements for someone to drive you home. You must not drive and public transport or walking are not recommended. You will also need a responsible adult to stay with you when you get home for at least 24 hours to look after you.

Before you leave the hospital you may be given:

  • An out-patient appointment
  • A letter for your GP
  • A prescription for medications 
  • Further information about your operation/treatment.

If you have had a general anaesthetic please remember:

  • Drugs remain in your body for up to 48 hours
  • Please try to rest for 24 to 48 hours
  • You must not operate machinery or drive a car for 48 hours
  • Do not operate machinery or do anything requiring skill or judgement
  • Avoid alcohol for 36 hours
  • Drink plenty of fluids and eat a light diet
  • Take things easy
  • Do not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for 48 hours
  • You must have someone with you for 24 hours after discharge.

If you have any questions about your operation/treatment when you get home, please telephone either:

  • Day care unit on  01322 428265, Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 8.30pm 
  • Your General Pratitioner 
  • OR in an extreme emergency dial 999.

Transport

Most patients are discharged in the morning. Staff will give you details of a likely discharge time if you are being collected from the hospital. Ambulance transport will only be provided for those with a medical need.

Follow-up care

If you need further nursing care after you have been discharged from hospital, a nurse will arrange follow-up visits as appropriate.

Medicines

If you are prescribed medicines to continue at home, the hospital will provide an initial supply. If you need further supplies, you will be advised to contact your doctor, your prescription details will be included on your discharge letter. 

Outpatient appointments

If necessary, an outpatient appointment will be made for you before you leave the hospital. 

Going home checklist

  • Collect your hospital discharge letter for your GP
  • Ask for any medical certificates you may need
  • Collect your medicine
  • Ask for any valuables you have left with the hospital for safekeeping
  • Make sure you know the date of your outpatient appointment, if you have one
  • Remind the person collecting you to bring outdoor clothing
  • Remember to take all your belongings.

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Page last reviewed: 11 February 2020