Patients & families
Discharge is a transition in care—not the end of treatment. A clear plan helps support recovery and reduces avoidable setbacks.
How discharge is planned
Discharge planning usually begins before the day a person leaves hospital. The timing depends on clinical progress, safety, support at home and the follow-up arrangements required.
The patient and, where appropriate, family or caregivers should understand the diagnosis or working formulation, medicines, warning signs, follow-up appointments and whom to contact if concerns arise.
Your discharge checklist
- Discharge summary and relevant reports.
- Updated medicine list, purpose and instructions.
- Information about possible adverse effects and monitoring.
- Date, place and type of follow-up appointment.
- Advice about sleep, alcohol or substance use, work, driving and daily routine where relevant.
- Early warning signs and an agreed crisis plan.
- Contact details for questions after discharge.
Medicines after discharge
Take medicines only as prescribed. Do not stop, restart or change doses without discussing it with the treating clinician unless urgent medical advice directs otherwise. Keep an updated list and seek prompt help for severe or unexpected adverse effects.
Follow-up care
Follow-up may include psychiatric review, psychological therapy, nursing contact, rehabilitation, physical-health monitoring or support for substance use. The exact plan is individual. If an appointment must be changed, contact the team early rather than allowing treatment to lapse.
Supporting recovery at home
A steady routine, regular sleep, meals, prescribed treatment and a low-conflict environment can support recovery. Families should encourage independence while watching for significant changes in sleep, mood, behaviour, self-care, substance use or treatment engagement.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent assessment if there are thoughts or plans of suicide or self-harm, threats or acts of violence, severe agitation, rapidly worsening confusion, inability to care for basic needs, marked medication reactions, or behaviour that places the person or others at immediate risk.
Need help deciding what to do next?
Speak with the Ahana Hospitals care team for guidance based on your needs and the services currently available.
Book a follow-up appointment