Working with our health and social care partners across Central Lancashire, we aim to discharge anybody under our care as soon as you are medically well enough to leave. Our approach to this is set out by the Central Lancashire Discharge Charter [pdf] 252KB
Our senior doctors will set an estimated discharge date for you as soon as realistically possible and ideally within 24 hours of you being admitted. Once this estimated date of discharge has been set, staff will begin planning for your discharge by making sure that all actions needed to achieve your estimated date of discharge are initiated as soon as possible.
All of this together will help to reduce any delays in you being able to return home.
Discharge Lounge
The Discharge Lounge is situated at the front of the hospital by the Day Treatment Centre (DTC) and provides a relaxing and friendly environment away from the busy ward where staff can finalise your discharge home and provide the best care without distractions. In addition this will help us to make beds available to other patients requiring admission, ensuring that they do not face long waits for a hospital bed at a time when they most need it.
Nursing staff from the discharge lounge will, where possible, introduce themselves to you on the day prior to your discharge to identify any needs that you may have during the discharge process.
On the day of your discharge, nursing staff from the discharge lounge will come to your ward and will:
- Assist you to wash and dress yourself in your outdoor clothes if needed
- Ensure that all your belongings have been packed and are ready to be discharged with you
- Ensure that you have all your medications and that these have been explained to you
- Ensure that you have a copy of your discharge letter - a copy will also be sent to your GP explaining what has happened to you whilst you have been in hospital
You will then be taken to the discharge lounge until your transport is available to take you to your place of discharge.
We will make every effort to ensure that your stay in the discharge lounge is as short as possible, but whilst you are there, hot or cold drinks will be available for you. Sandwiches are available for patients who find themselves in the lounge during lunch or evening meal times.
Transport
In order to avoid the delays that are sometimes experienced whilst waiting for hospital transport, it is advised that patients arrange to be collected from hospital by relatives if possible. If required, ambulances can be booked but we regret that we will be unable to give an exact time of their arrival.
Car parking
For those family members or carers collecting patients from the discharge lounge, there are a number of short stay spaces available at the side of the building and a pick up point outside the doors of the building. However those collecting patients are respectfully asked to avoid any restricted areas needed for ambulance access.
Feedback
As this is a relatively new service we are always looking at ways in which we can improve the service we offer. If you have any suggestions please share them with a member of staff
