Discharge means “checking out” of hospital. The daily discharge time is usually 10am.

Before you leave, you should obtain the following information from your doctor or the nurse in charge of your ward:

• any follow-up outpatient appointments
• medications
• arrangements for community support services
• continuing treatments
• transport.

Before you leave you should also make sure that:

• you have all your personal belongings
• you have signed all claim forms and any fees due are paid
• you have given us your correct forwarding address
• you have obtained relevant medical certificates from the doctor
• all items held for you have been collected
• you know what medication you need to take, as well as any follow up services you need.

Discharge against medical advice

With few exceptions (as in the case of infectious diseases), you have the right to leave hospital when you choose. This may be a serious step when taken against the advice of your doctor, and could pose a threat to your wellbeing.

If you choose to be discharged under these circumstances, you will be asked to sign a ‘disclaimer’ form, and the responsibility for this action will rest with you. However, if your condition does not improve or if it causes you concern, you should not hesitate to seek further medical advice or to return to the hospital’s emergency department.