Leaving the hospital

Planning for your discharge from the hospital starts well before you leave. While our goal is to have you sent home early in the day, we will give you as much notice as possible. Please make sure to arrange a ride home if the person who will pick you up is not already at the hospital. 

Your health care team will work with you to address post-hospital care needs before or soon after discharge. On your day of discharge or the night before, you may be transferred from your patient room to a lounge or other location while you wait for family and transportation. This simple but important step in discharge ensures hospital beds are available for incoming patients.  

For a safe and smooth transition out of the hospital, we also recommend:

• Discussing details of discharge with your health care team in advance, so transportation and personal preparations (e.g. change of clothes) can be made.
• Being prepared for discharge a day earlier or later than planned should your medical status change.

If you had a private room or used special supplies or procedures during your stay, please pay your invoice before you leave the hospital.

In addition to being covered by the B.C. Medical Services Plan, some patients have extended health insurance plans that may cover the cost of supplies such as crutches, canes, splints and some casts. Please ask a member of your health care team if you have any questions.

For contact information, see "Patient Accounts" in the directory of your hospital-specific patient and family handbook.

If you receive an invoice or statement for the cost of your health care, visit our make a payment webpage.