Leaving the Hospital

Discharge time is 10:00 a.m. for most patients. A family member or friend should take you home after your hospital stay. Please make arrangements to leave the hospital no later than the specified discharge time. This is very important because your bed must be prepared for another waiting patient. Unfortunately, Grand River Hospital is unable to reimburse families for transportation costs home, such as taxi or ambulance fees.

Make sure that you have all your belongings and hospital cards as well as aftercare instructions and prescriptions as needed. It is important that you understand all the instructions about your medications, diet, activity, and return appointments. If you have questions or concerns, ask your health care provider before you leave.

Day surgery patients must be accompanied by a responsible adult when they leave, whether travelling by car, bus, or taxi. These arrangements have to be made before coming to the hospital. At the hospital, a Release of Responsibility form must be signed indicating an arrangement has been made.

Our discharge planning nurse will provide information about alternative living options, respite opportunities, and will facilitate the most appropriate placement when returning home is not an option.

Please check that all your account balances have been paid for services such as telephone and television rentals.