|
|
We realize that every patient desires to return home as soon as
possible. Each particular discharge to home will vary depending on
your condition, your doctor and your progress during the recovery
process.
Your doctor and our staff are guided by the best practices for each
particular case. We always try, through our care, education and
working with you and your family, to prepare you for discharge in a
safe manner.
Discharge planning is a process that encompasses every aspect of your
care as we anticipate the time you will be released from the
hospital.
These days, discharge planning starts before you enter the
hospital. From the time we first know you will be our patient until
the time you are discharged, our staff is working on your behalf to
help determine the best way to care for you both during your stay and
after you return home.
Our entire staff contributes to the discharge planning that affects
you.
Our social work services department is a main resource for your
discharge plan. They work on your behalf in order to ensure that you
receive the best possible care during and after your hospital
stay.
If you have any questions regarding Medicare, transportation issues
or other special services, please be sure to ask. They can help you to
contact many resources of which you may be unaware.
If problems arise during your stay, or if you have questions after
you have been discharged, contact the social work services department
at (412) 469-5193.
The social work services department can:
- assist in arranging care services that you may need for a smoother
recovery at home.
- help you to better understand what happens as you continue your
recovery at home or at an extended care facility.
- provide assistance with insurance paperwork or in finding
resources for augmenting your insurance if needed.
- assist you in finding financial resources if your income meets
certain guidelines established by the government.
If you feel that you may need social services but have not been contacted by a
social worker, please ask your nurse to contact one for you.
Before you are discharged from the hospital, your nurse will explain
to you and a family member, if you desire, the instructions for the
follow-up care.
They may include instructions on diet, referrals to other care
providers, follow-up appointments, physical activities and
limitations, medication doses and times, health care teaching and
printed materials specific to your illness.
If you have questions or need anything clarified, please be sure to
ask your nurse.
Remember, all discharge instructions are determined by your doctor
and are specific to you and your condition.
Note: Routine discharge time is prior to noon.
A courtesy parking pass can be obtained at the cashier's office for
free parking on the day of your discharge.
It is best, whenever possible, for you or a family member to arrange
for your transportation home. If you find that you need assistance
with this, our social work services department may be able to help you
arrange transportation.
It is hospital policy that every patient, upon discharge, be escorted
from their room to the hospital lobby.
|
Back
