Leaving hospital is a milestone, but recovery is not finished at discharge – most healing happens at home over the following days and weeks. Understanding your discharge instructions, and following them carefully, prevents complications and the readmission nobody wants.
Before you leave the hospital
- Make sure you understand your discharge summary: your diagnosis, what treatment or surgery you had, and what happens next.
- Review every medicine – name, dose, timing and for how long – and ask what to stop or restart from your old prescriptions.
- Confirm your follow-up appointment date, and who to call if a problem arises.
- Ask about activity limits: lifting, driving, climbing stairs, bathing and returning to work.
Medicines and wound care at home
Take medicines exactly as prescribed, even after you feel better – especially antibiotics, which should be completed as directed. Keep surgical wounds clean and dry, change dressings as shown, and wash your hands before and after touching a dressing. Never apply creams or home remedies to a wound unless your doctor advises it.
Rest, food and gentle movement
Sleep and rest help the body repair itself, but long, complete bed rest slows recovery. Walk a little each day as advised, increasing gradually. Eat protein-rich, balanced meals, drink enough water, and avoid smoking and alcohol while healing.
Return to hospital at once if you notice
- Fever, increasing pain, or redness, swelling or discharge from a wound
- Breathlessness, chest pain, or swelling in one leg
- Repeated vomiting, inability to eat, or very low urine output
- Bleeding, confusion, or a sudden worsening of any symptom
Recovery takes patience. Keep your follow-up appointments even when you feel well – they are how your team confirms you are truly healing.
Recently discharged, or caring for someone who was? Keep our number handy – if anything worries you during recovery, call us rather than waiting for the next visit.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow your own discharge instructions and your doctor’s advice.