Things to bring:
- Continuing care instructions from your nurse and doctor
- Personal items
- Items you received while at the hospital
- Valuables you deposited in the hospital's safe
- Medications being held at the pharmacy
Things to do:
- Let your nurse know where you'd like packages and mail forwarded.
- Visit the cashier to make payment arrangements and pay any charges not covered by your insurance.
A nurse, social worker or discharge planner will help plan your follow-up care. If you have trouble understanding the language being used, you should be provided with translated documents or an interpreter. If you have trouble hearing, you should ask for instructions in writing. All patients will be given important directions about their follow-up care, including written instructions. If you follow these directions, you will have a greater chance of getting well faster. You are also less likely to need to go back to the hospital, and maximize your chance for the best possible recovery.