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Going Into Hospital - Going Home

When can I go home?

You can go home as soon as your doctor feels you are well enough. The staff caring for you will plan your return home as soon as possible and this can include:

any follow-up outpatient appointments
medicines
arrangements for any community support services
any equipment or aids you need at home.

Your doctor will talk to you about your after-care. It is important you understand the after-care you need. This helps keep you well and helps to prevent any further medical problems.

Most hospitals have a "check-out time" of 10am.

All patients need someone to take them home from hospital. Day surgery patients also need a responsible adult to care for them overnight.

You may be given a prescription for medicine. Many hospitals have pharmacies onsite and you may wish to have a prescription filled before you leave the hospital. Alternatively you can use a community pharmacy.

Before you leave the hospital make sure that you:

understand the treatment you were given and what care you require
know what medicines you need to take and why
know when you need to see a doctor again and who to see (your general practitioner, the specialist or outpatient clinic)
ask if you need a medical certificate, a letter for your general practitioner or Work Cover information
take all your belongings with you
have made arrangements for your return home, such as having someone collect you from hospital or stay with you at home.

Is help available to travel home from hospital?

All patients need someone to take them home from hospital. Day surgery patients also need a responsible adult to care for them overnight.

Patients are responsible for making their own travel arrangements home. Only patients needing medical assistance, such as patients on oxygen, can be transported home by ambulance. Ambulances are free to Queenslanders but only for emergency situations. While they will transport you to hospital if you are sick or injured, they cannot and will not to take you home.

Make arrangements for someone to help you get home as soon as you know the date you will be leaving hospital.

Alternatively taxi ranks are situated outside most major hospitals.

If specialist medical or dental services are not available in your local area then you may be eligible for financial assistance for travel and accommodation. Ask the hospital staff for information about Queensland Health's Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

Who do I contact if I have a concern about my condition after I leave hospital?

Contact your general practitioner if you have any concerns about your health after you leave hospital. If you suddenly become unwell call the hospital ward and speak with the staff, or go to the hospital Emergency Department.

Where can I get information to help me stay well?

The hospital staff can provide you with information to help you during your recovery and to stay well.

You can find information about a wide range of healthy living topics, including how you can help yourself if you have conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes etc at A Healthier You.

What if I have a compliment or concern about my hospital visit?

We strive to ensure that our patients are happy with their visit and care. If you have any feedback about your visit please let us know:

While at the hospital, you can speak with the staff or ask to see a Patient Liaison Officer.
You can telephone or write to the hospital
You can print and complete a Consumer Complaints form (PDF 82 kB).
You can conplete an online feedback form

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For Consumers