Discharge planning begins the day you enter NFH as we learn about your care needs prior to your hospitalization and our healthcare team works with you and your family. Your Case Manager will work with your physician and other members of the healthcare team to arrange any post-discharge care.

Your physician may recommend that you be discharged and admitted to the Rehabilitation Unit of NFH. There, a team of highly skilled rehabilitation specialists, led by a physiatrist (physician specializing in rehab) will attend to your continued needs. Some members of the Rehabilitation Team might include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation counseling, rehab nursing and case management.

Your physician may request that home care services be arranged by your Case Manager prior to discharge. You will be given a choice of several providers to select from and arrangements will be made.

If you need any home medical equipment or oxygen to use a home, you Case Manager will work with your physician to see that those arrangements are made prior to your discharge.

When your physician decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. You may want to make arrangements with a family member of friend to provide transportation to home. Please have them pick you up at the front entrance of the hospital by the parking deck.

Personal Belongings

Collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers. A member of the nursing staff will be available to assist you if needed. If you have valuables stored in the hospital safe, have the nurse contact Security so that an officer can bring your belongings up to you.

Your physician and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your medications, diet, or activities, please feel free to ask. You will receive a written copy of your discharge instructions.

If your physician gives you a prescription, it can be filled at the pharmacy you currently utilize. There are also pharmacy services in close proximity to the hospital. Your nurse or Case Manager will be happy to provide you with the names of these area pharmacies.

When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff will escort you to the front entrance and assist you into the car if needed.