Coming Into Hospital
When you first arrive at hospital to be admitted as an inpatient you will undergo an assessment and the team of staff looking after you will gather information from both you and your family and/or carer. This will help us to decide what the best plan will be for you as an individual.
When being admitted as an inpatient you may want to bring some supplies and the following items with you:
- Your admission letter.
- All your medicines you currently take including inhalers, vitamins and herbal products in their original containers.
- If possible, bring an up to date list of all your medicines and how you take them.
- Toiletries – If possible, please avoid bringing aerosol type deodorants due to the sensitivity of our fire alarm detectors.
- Nightdress or pyjamas – in some wards, patients can wear their own clothes during the day.
- Dressing gown and slippers.
- Your glasses if you need them and their case.
- Something to read or other items to help occupy yourself during your stay.
- Headphones (for patient entertainment systems).
- If you have dentures (false teeth) please bring a container with your name on it to store them in.
- Hearing aid, the case and spare batteries.
- Ear plugs to block out any noise during the night.
- Eye mask, as there are always some lights left on at night.
- Any other items that staff have asked you to bring.
- Details of any hospital or clinic appointments happening during your hospital stay.
- Contact details for your next of kin e.g. mobile number.
- Only bring a small amount of clothing as bedside storage is limited.
- A small amount of money for newspapers or other small items.
What Not to Bring
- Do not bring any alcohol or illegal substances with you, as we do not permit these.
- Do not bring a large amount of money, valuables, jewellery, clothes or other personal belongings with you. The hospital does not accept any responsibility for loss of, or damage to, personal belongings unless handed in to staff for safekeeping.
You may need a small amount of money for telephone calls, newspapers, etc.
Leaving Hospital
The team involved in your care will give you an idea of when you may be able to return home. This is called a ‘Planned Date of Discharge’.
We want to get you home as quickly as possible, so that you are back in your own familiar surroundings.
As part of your recovery, you may be moved to community facility where you will receive more specialist rehabilitation or care to help you fully recover. This will be agreed with you and will form a key element of the plan for your journey home.
If you have concerns about your discharge it is important that you tell a member of the team as soon as possible so this can be considered and factored into the discharge plan we develop with you.
The short video below explains more about Planned Date of Discharge.
Your Home First
We are working to support more people at home and ensure that, if you do need to come into hospital for tests or treatment, you are able to return home as soon as you are well enough, without experiencing any delays. This is because it is better for you to receive care or recover in the comfort and familiar surroundings of your own home or a more homely setting. This approach is known as Your Home First.
Leaving hospital early in the day has several benefits.
- You don’t need to wait around any longer than necessary
- It’s better for your health – particularity if you are older
- You can make use of our discharge lounge while you wait
- You get home to a more comfortable environment.
What you, family, friends and carers can do to help get you home:
- Find out your planned date of discharge. You can ask your nurse if you are unsure.
- Share any concerns you might have about discharge with the team looking after you
- Arrange transport ahead of time, if required
- Make sure you have the right clothes to travel
- Check you have access to your home
- Ensure you have essentials back home e.g. food and heating
If you have any questions about your day of discharge, either as a patient or as a carer, you should always speak to someone on the ward in the first instance.
Information on our Discharge Lounge
The Discharge Lounge at Forth Valley Royal Hospital provides a safe and comfortable space for patients ready to go home. Where possible, we will aim to discharge you direct from the ward or arrange to transfer you to our discharge lounge before lunchtime.
Leaving hospital earlier in the day has several benefits:-
- You don’t need to wait around any longer than necessary
- It’s better for your health – particularity if you are older
- You can make use of our discharge lounge while you wait
- You get to return to a more comfortable, less noisy environment as soon as possible
The Discharge Lounge is situated on the ground floor, close to the main reception and is open Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm. It is fully staffed and patients are provided with hot and cold drinks, snacks and soup and sandwiches at lunchtime.
Forth Valley Royal Hospital Discharge Lounge: 01324 566080
Information and Support for Local Carers
Information, advice and support for local carers, including details of respite support, can be found on local council websites. You can also contact your local carers centre for advice and support.