Patient Discharge Guides

Taking time to plan for your discharge from Brockville General Hospital can help in your recovery. It also reduces the chances of your re-admittance to the hospital and prepares you to care for yourself.

Before you leave

Some patients being discharged from the hospital require additional care. Our team is able to work with you and your family to arrange for the most appropriate services. Before you leave the hospital, speak to your nurse or doctor about the options available to you.

Know your movement capabilities

Learn any exercises needed and know your movement precautions.

Learn about your medication

Learn the names of your medication. You should know what they do, how much to take, when to take them, possible reactions with other medication, and how to store them. If you need a new medication, make sure you have a prescription.

Day before your discharge

Tell the person who is driving you home from the hospital what day and time to pick you up. Discharge is by 11:00 a.m. Ask family members or friends to start taking home some of your personal items, such as flowers, cards or extra clothes. Make sure to keep a change of clothes for the day of your discharge.

Day of discharge

Discharge is by 11:00 a.m. Let the person taking you home know what time to be at the hospital. Make sure you have all of your personal items. You will receive information and instructions for any follow-up appointments.

Book a follow-up appointment

Once you're home, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor or primary care provider. As discussed before your discharge, your family physician or primary care provider will review and discuss with you any changes to your medications or treatment plans.

Short term accommodation

Retirement homes offer short-term accommodation for your recovery. A short stay in a retirement home offers some time to re-group after your stay in the hospital and provides some additional care while you recover. If you know that you're coming to the hospital for surgery, it's helpful to find out which homes offer convalescent care and to tour some of the retirement homes beforehand to determine which ones you prefer.

Accommodation services may vary

As they are privately operated, services can vary from home to home and may or may not include:

• Medication management;
• Personal care; and/or
• Assistance getting around.

Supporting you in your return home

Planning for a safe return home begins at the time of your admission. Your health care team will speak to you about a plan for discharge and in-home supports that may be required after your discharge.

In-home supports

There are additional supports available to assist individuals and their families or caregivers if you:

• Need care and support in order to leave the hospital and go home.

• Are waiting for a vacancy in a long-term care home.

How do I get these supports?

Ask any member of your in-hospital health care team to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs before returning home.

Home and Community Care

The Home and Community Care (HCC) hospital case managers plan for in-home professional services, which include nursing and personal care assistance.

Community Support Services

Discharge planners and the HCC work with Community Support Services (CSS) agencies to support you at home or while you wait at home for a long-term care home vacancy. CSS specializes in home help, including meals, homemaking and transportation.

If you were receiving services at home before coming to the hospital, your health care team will work with you and your family and/or caregivers to ensure you receive the supports you need return home. For more information, you can contact the HCC:

Home and Community Care, Brockville Office
555 California Ave., Unit #1,
Bag Service 7000,
Brockville, ON K6V 7K6
Tel: 613-283-8012
Toll Free: 800-267-6041