When we think you are medically well enough to go home we will discharge you. As part of your discharge, we may transfer you to the discharge lounge on the day of your discharge.
You may not be able to be transferred to the discharge lounge. You may need to remain on the ward until you are discharged. This will be decided by healthcare team.
Before we transfer you to the discharge lounge, we will visit your ward or department to speak to your doctor after your ward round. This is to make sure we can move you to the discharge lounge the following day.
What is the discharge lounge?
The discharge lounge provides a vital role in your timely and safe discharge or transfer of care. The lounge provides a pleasant and relaxing environment for you to wait.
Whilst you wait in the lounge, we can organise the final parts of your discharge or transfer of care. This might include waiting for medications to be arranged or transport from a provider, a family member or friend.
We process a number of discharges daily and you may experience a wait until we can complete your discharge. We are working as quickly as possible to discharge you safely.
Where are the discharge lounges located?
What facilities are available in the lounge?
The discharge lounge has similar facilities you will find on a ward. We have our own toileting and changing facilities.
Hot and cold beverages, biscuits and snacks are provided for patients. We can cater for special dietary requirements and hot meals can be provided at lunch and teatime.
Where possible we would ask that you arrange your own transport home. However, we know that is not always possible in some circumstances and we can help arrange patient transport if there is a clinical need.
What will happen on the day of my discharge?
On the day of your planned discharge, we will collect you and take you to the discharge lounge.
We will make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need whilst we process your discharge.
We ask you not to arrange for your family or friends to collect you until we tell you that you are ready for discharge.
How will I be cared for?
Our discharge lounge is staffed by qualified nurses. A nurse will always be on hand to help patients on the discharge unit.
Staff on the unit can carry out all nursing care and tasks, as would nurses on the wards.
Why do I need to move to the discharge lounge?
When you are well enough to go home, we may move you to the discharge lounge. The discharge lounge helps us to facilitate the smooth and timely transition of patients from the hospital to their home or other care settings.
Our discharge lounges provide a comfortable and safe space for patients who are medically fit to leave the ward but are waiting for final arrangements like medication, transport, or completion of paperwork.
The lounges help free up hospital beds on the wards for sicker patients and improves the overall hospital flow.
Contact
RVI – Ward 45a
The lounges are open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 8pm. Patients will not routinely be discharged after 7pm.
Freeman Hospital – Ward 4
The lounges are open Monday – Friday 8am – 7pm. Patients will not routinely be discharged after 7pm.
