Leaving the hospital (discharge)
Our clinical teams will work together to help you leave the hospital as quickly as possible because a lengthy hospital stay puts you at risk of infection and becoming more ill.
You can see the steps involved in organising your hospital discharge below.
In preparation for you leaving the hospital, we will:
- plan your discharge date with you
- discuss with you any equipment that you will need or any changes that need to be made to your environment
- give you information about your condition
- discuss how you will get home
- let your next of kin or family know your expected leaving date
- give you any initial medical supplies you may need, such as dressings or incontinence pads
- discuss with you how to look after yourself after leaving the hospital
Discharge lounge
We will ask you to leave your ward and move to the discharge lounge while you wait for your medication, transport and any paperwork you need.
This is a separate waiting area where we can offer you food and drinks while you wait. Nurses and healthcare assistants are in the discharge lounge to help you until you leave the hospital.
On the day you leave the hospital, we will:
- help you to gather your belongings, including mobility aids
- explain any exercises or activities you need to continue doing at home
- give you information about who to contact if you are worried
- give you written information about your condition and treatment
- discuss your treatment plan and give you a printed discharge letter. This will include information about your
- treatment, care, and medication
- prepare any medicines you need and discuss them with you. Contact your GP if you need a repeat prescription after you leave the hospital
- ask for your comments about your care at King’s
- explain any appointments that you will have in the future
- send your discharge letter to your GP
Your discharge may take up to 4 hours to complete as leaving the hospital can involve several teams working together to organise your care. If you are worried about how long you have been waiting, please speak to your nurse or discharge lounge coordinator.
Transport home
We cannot offer you transport unless you meet specific criteria. The team will discuss these with you as part of your discharge planning.
The ward administrator can help you to book a taxi or contact your family, carers or friends to arrange your own transport home.
You can find more information about discharge, including a discharge checklist and notes in our Welcome to King’s information booklet.