Once you and your physician have determined what your physical capabilities will be, you need to think about how your present lifestyle will be affected.
In Our Hospital
In our hospital, physicians, nurses, case managers, social workers, pharmacists, and other health care professionals work as a team to provide you with quality care. You and your family or representative play an important role on this team. All the thinking you did about your post-hospital needs will help us now as we develop your treatment plan and make arrangements for your discharge.
Arranging Post-Hospital Services
To accurately assess what your needs may be once you leave the hospital, a case manager or social worker will discuss your condition with your physician(s), nurse(s), and/or other hospital staff involved in your care. Then he or she will consult with you and your family, or representative if you request, about your condition and recovery needs. Some questions you may be asked include:
§ What has your physician told you regarding your needs after you leave the hospital?
§ Do you think you'll need some time to recover after your hospital stay?
§ Do you live alone or with others?
§ Do you think you'll need some kind of help after your hospital stay? If so, what kind of help?
§ Have you made any arrangements to get help?
§ What transportation arrangements have been made for the visits to your physician's office?
At this time, let your case manager or social worker know any concerns you have regarding your needs once you leave the hospital. Share the list you made of the post-hospital needs you may have. Your case manager or social worker will then discuss what services may be appropriate and what would be the best way to provide such services given your life-style and preferences. Once your needs and priorities are determined, he or she can begin helping you choose between and arrange for skilled nursing, "Meals on Wheels," physical therapy, and other appropriate services.
Instructions About Care at Home
A nurse or hospital technician will demonstrate the safe and proper treatment of your wounds, if any, and the use and handling of catheters, intravenous ports, and medical equipment. A nurse or technician may also instruct you on safe ways of getting in and out of bed and chair, and bathing. A nurse will go over with you the medications you will be taking at home, and their potential side effects and interactions with other drugs.
The Written Discharge Instructions
Before you leave the hospital, discharge instructions will be completed. This document includes:
§ A list of the medications you are to take, and their dosage;
§ A description of the medical equipment you require;
§ Continuing wound care or other treatments you need;
§ Limitations on diet, movement, or other activities;
§ Follow-up tests and doctor appointments that are or should be scheduled; and
§ Which outside agencies, if any, will help with your care.
You will be given a copy of the discharge instructions, which you should keep available at home. Copies are also given to your treating physician and to any facility or service arranged by the case manager or social worker.
Personal Belongings
Be sure to collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers. If you have valuables stored in our hospital, notify your nurse and he/she will assist in the retrieval of these items.
Transportation
Unless special arrangements have been made, patients are responsible for ensuring that someone meets you and provides transportation on the day you leave. If any problems are anticipated with transportation, please let your nurse, case manager, or social worker know as soon as possible. When you are ready to leave, a member of our hospital staff will escort you to the front entrance and help you into the car.
After You Leave Our Hospital
Our relationship with you does not have to end when you leave our hospital. If you have problems with the care that was arranged for you, call the staff member who arranged services for you, and he or she will assist you.
After your hospital stay at Gaston Memorial Hospital, you will receive a patient survey in the mail. We encourage you to complete the survey and provide honest feedback about your hospital experience. Helping to identify areas of improvement or acknowledge positive experiences is another way you can become a partner in your health care.
