When you come into hospital, the team caring for you will give you an idea of when you may be able to return home. This is called your ‘Planned Date of Discharge’.
We aim to get you home as soon as possible, so you can return to your own familiar surroundings.
As part of your recovery, you may be moved to a community facility where you will receive specialist rehabilitation or care to help you fully recover. This will be agreed with you and will form an important part of your plan for returning home.
If you have any questions, either as a patient or as a carer, you should always speak to someone on the ward in the first instance.
Home First
Our goal is to help more people recover at home. If you need to come into hospital for tests or treatment, we’ll make sure you can return home as soon as you’re well enough, without unnecessary delays. Recovering in the comfort and familiarity of your own home – or a homely setting – is better for your health and wellbeing. This approach is called Home First.
Why leaving hospital early matters
- You avoid waiting longer than necessary
- It’s better for your health – especially if you’re older
- You can use our discharge lounge while you wait
- You get back to a more comfortable environment
How you, your family and carers can help
- Know your discharge date – ask your nurse if you’re unsure
- Share any concerns with the team caring for you
- Arrange transport in advance, if needed
- Pack suitable clothes for travelling home
- Check access to your home
- Ensure essentials are ready – such as food and heating
In the short video below, Dr Karen Adamson, Associate Medical Director for Unscheduled Care at NHS Forth Valley explains more about Home First.
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
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.