Barts and The London Children's Hospital | For patients, families and carers | Going home
Going home
What happens when my child is ready to come home?
A day and time for your child’s discharge will be agreed with you in advance and everyone involved will work towards making sure your child goes home on time. Please leave your home address with the ward staff. If you are planning to stay somewhere else, please leave an address where you can be contacted. But don’t be disappointed if, at first, things at home don’t go entirely smoothly because your child may be unsettled for a few days.
Information about your child’s treatment
When your child is discharged, you will receive information about the treatment they have received, advice on care at home, and telephone numbers should you require help.
Medication
When your child leaves, we will give you any medicines they may need. Please note that you may have to wait while these are dispensed.
Discharge letter
We will give you a discharge letter to take to your GP when your child gets home. The hospital will also send a letter to your health visitor or school nurse as appropriate. The hospital teacher may write to your child’s school about their educational needs after their stay in hospital.
Ongoing care
Before your child is discharged, you can expect a decision about any care needs they may have after they have left hospital. We will agree arrangements with agencies such as community nursing services and local authority social services. You will be involved in these decisions and will be kept up to date.
Non-emergency patient transport
Non-emergency patient transport home will only be provided for those patients who are assessed as being medically unable to make their own way home from hospital.
Follow-up appointments
If your child needs to attend an outpatient clinic, a follow-up appointment will usually be given to you before they leave the ward. If not, it will be sent to you in the post. Please tell a member of staff if your child will need non-emergency patient transport to attend.
