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Discharge planning helps to make sure that you leave the hospital safely and get the right care afterward.
Preparing ahead for going home
You don’t have to be in the hospital to start preparing for going home. Usually the stronger and fitter your body is before surgery, the faster the recovery. Speak to your doctor or other health-care provider before starting a new exercise program to make sure it’s right for you.
Do you have a surgery coming up? Here are five “prehab” tips to help you recover faster
You’ve probably heard about rehabilitation, but what about “prehabilitation”? Prehab is all about getting your body and mind in top shape before surgery so you can enjoy a smoother, quicker recovery. Discover five essential prehab strategies from researcher Dr. Daniel McIsaac.
Discharge planning
Patients are discharged when they no longer need the high level of care (known as acute care) that is offered at The Ottawa Hospital.
The discharge planning team works with you and your loved ones to plan for leaving the hospital. They coordinate your needs with health-care providers and community resources.
Working with your social worker
Each inpatient unit has a designated social worker who will work with you and your family to help create your discharge plan and address your care needs.
Please ask to speak to the social worker as soon as possible if:
- You or your family have any concerns about your ability to return home.
- You feel you will need some additional help when you leave the hospital.
You and your family play a very important role in planning your discharge from the hospital. Please try to keep any meetings you and your family have with your health-care team.
Before you leave the hospital, you will also receive instructions about wound care, pain control, follow-up, eating, activity and your regular medications.
Discharge options
Depending on your needs, you may be discharged in the following ways:
When leaving the hospital
A responsible adult must accompany you after surgery, even if you are taking a taxi or rideshare.
For your safety, it is strongly recommended that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours.
During the first 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking pain medication:
- Do not drive or do tasks that require skill, coordination or judgment.
- Do not make legal decisions.
- Do not drink alcohol, as it can increase the effects of anesthesia and pain medication.
Picking up a patient from the Surgical Day Care Unit
Here’s where and how to pick someone up from the Surgical Day Care Unit:
Civic Campus | General Campus | Riverside Campus | |||
| Pickup location | Details | Pickup location | Details | Pickup location | Details |
| Main Entrance (Section A) or Carling Entrance (Section C) | Use the phone at the Main or Carling Entrance to call the Surgical Day Care Unit when you arrive. Staff will bring the patient to the entrance in a wheelchair. Phone: 613-798-5555 ext.13599 | Main entrance | Use the phone inside the Main Entrance to call the Surgical Day Care Unit. Staff will bring the patient to the entrance in a wheelchair. Phone: 613-737-8407 | Surgical Day Care Unit | Go directly to the unit. Location: Main Level |
Recovery after surgery
Because you have planned early for your surgery, you should feel better prepared about your recovery needs. Please make sure you remember to follow the instructions from your surgical care team to help you recover.
How to use crutches
This video will teach you how to adjust the crutches to the proper height, as well as how to use the crutches safely while walking, sitting and climbing stairs.
Partial weightbearing (PWB)
Non-weightbearing (NWB)