Patient Discharge
We are dedicated to ensuring that your stay, discharge (procedure to checkout of the hospital) and after-care will be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Your doctor will advise you when you may go home. Your interdisciplinary treatment team will begin to plan your discharge with you prior to the doctor's order for your discharge.
You play a vital role in the preparation of your discharge. You may want to make arrangements for a family member or friend to help you when it’s time to leave the hospital. Please prepare in advance by having clothing and keys ahead of time. If possible, please arrange for transportation in advance.
If you need assistance with transportation home, please call the Nursing Office at ext. 5343. Northridge Hospital participates in a “Discharge by Noon” program, which aims to discharge each patient before 12 p.m. Every patient situation is different and may require more time.
Prepare for Going Home
-
Belongings
Collect all belongings and double-check closets and drawers.
If you have anything stored in the hospital safe, stop by the Admitting Department and they will release your valuables to you.
-
Discharge Instructions
You are given complete written instructions from your physician and care team for your after-hospital care. We want to adequately prepare you to either be cared for by home health professionals, or to thoroughly educate you in how to care for yourself when you get home. Be sure to ask questions at this time.
-
Escort Service
When you are ready to leave, a hospital representative will escort you to the front entrance and help you into the car.
-
Medical Equipment
The Case Management Department will order any necessary medical equipment for you. The Rehabilitation Department will order equipment for Rehabilitation patients. It is important to discuss with your case manager where equipment is being ordered from and if it was rented or purchased. After discharge, please contact the vendor with any questions first, then your case manager.
Requesting Your Medical Records
You may request copies of your medical records by contacting the Medical Record Department’s Correspondence Office, at 818- 885-8500, ext. 2980. The staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Our patients’ privacy is important and we would like to assure you that an authorization must be signed by the patient in order to release copies of medical records to anyone.
For more detailed information on "Going Home" you can download a pdf of that section of the Admitting Guide.
