Planning for your discharge

For most patients, going home after the completion of treatment will be fairly straightforward. However, there are some patients who have special care requirements following their discharge.

The Hospital provides a free discharge planning service, run by a team of experienced specialist Discharge Planners and a Social Worker.

It is vital that these needs are identified early so that the appropriate discharge plans can be made. We encourage patients to discuss any issues and available options with the discharge team.

These issues may include:
• home support with cleaning, shopping, preparation of meals and assistance with personal care
• nursing Home placement (high level care)
• hostel placement (low level care)
• transfer to another hospital (rehabilitation)
• respite care
• community nurse.

In some instances, the most appropriate care will involve admission to a nursing home or hostel. This may be required for either a short period (respite care) or an extended period (permanent care). We recognise that this can be a major, and at times, difficult decision. The social worker can provide you with a list of suitable nursing home and hostel options in your preferred locality.

Discharge Planning Team

Thelma De Lisser Howarth, Nurse Manager
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4.30 pm

Cecily Guest, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8 am to 4.30 pm

Grace Martin, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Thursday, Friday, 8 am to 4.30 pm

Jessica Levy, Social Worker
Monday to Thursday, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm

Important note regarding nursing home or hostel placement

• Patient and/or relatives nominate at least three preferred facilities in their chosen locality.
• The social worker will encourage you to take the first suitable placement offered.
• If declined, the second suitable placement offered is expected to be taken.
• Following admission to the nursing home or hostel, arrangements can be made by you or your family to be transferred to your preferred facility when a bed becomes available.

If you require any further details or information, please ask to speak to a member of the Discharge Planning Team, as we do seek your cooperation and assistance in making the transfer of care arrangements process as smooth as possible.