Going home after an inpatient admission
When your child gets admitted to hospital, we usually have a rough idea of when they may get discharged, depending on how complex their case is. This is called the Estimated Discharge Date.
A lot of planning goes in to ensuring your child is ready to go home. If you will need to continue their care at home, we will make sure you have the right training, equipment, medication and support to do that safely before you go.
On the day
On the day of discharge, a doctor will visit your child on the ward during their ward round, to make sure your child is fit for discharge. The nursing team will give your child all the necessary checks such as making sure they are eating and drinking properly, any pain is managed, any drips are removed etc.
If they are given the all-clear to go home, an After Visit Summary will then be produced which is a letter which shows why your child was admitted to Alder Hey, the treatment they have had, and any follow-up care needed.
If any medication is needed, this will be dispensed by our pharmacy on site before you go home.
It can take a number of hours to ensure all the checks are done and you have everything you need
In special circumstances, we can arrange transport home
If you need ongoing support we will make arrangements with the community team, close to your home. You may also need an outpatient appointment at Alder Hey which will either be made on the day of discharge or will be sent to you in due course.
Contact us
The after-visit summary will give you numbers to contact us if you need to when you are home.