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Home Hospitals Children’s Hospital Leaving hospital

Leaving hospital

It is important that your child can leave hospital as soon as their treatment is complete. If possible, we will make plans for your child’s discharge from hospital when they are being admitted. In some cases, planning may begin before your child comes into hospital.

What we will do
  • We will discuss your child’s planned date of discharge, your transport options and together agree arrangements for your child leaving hospital.
  • We will discuss and agree any equipment or support your child may need.
  • If your child needs to be transferred to a transitional care bed, they will be allocated the first available bed. The priority is to start your child’s rehabilitation as soon as possible.
  • We will discuss your child’s medicines with you. Any medicines you brought into hospital will be returned to you if they are still suitable for your child to use. Please feel free to ask about changes to your child’s medicines or why medicines have been stopped.
  • If we have started your child on a new medicine, you will be given a limited supply to take home. Please allow enough time for this process when you make arrangements for your child to leave hospital. You need to contact your GP if your child needs a further supply of medicine. Please ensure you do not run out.
  • We will tell you if your child needs a follow-up appointment or further care after leaving hospital. The details will also be sent to you.
  • We will send a letter to your GP with details of the treatment your child received. The letter will also outline any further care your child may need.
  • We will also contact your child’s health visitor and/or children’s community nurse to ensure your child receives follow-up nursing care where necessary.
What you should do
  • Please make travel arrangements so your child’s discharge from hospital goes smoothly.
  • After your child returns home, please contact your GP or pharmacist if you have any questions about your child’s medicines.
  • Please contact your GP if your child needs a further supply of medicine.
  • If your child has any difficulties after leaving hospital, please contact your GP at any time for advice.
  • If you and your child are returning to an address other than your usual address, please tell a nurse, who can notify your GP or the community nursing service.

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