Planning Your Stay

Discharge from the Hospital

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Right care in the right place at the right time

Hospitals are meant for short stays when close medical monitoring is needed. When it’s safe, recovering at home or in the community is often better for your health and well-being..  

Why this matters

Staying in hospital longer than needed can increase the risk of problems like infections, blood clots, confusion and physical weakness. Keeping hospital beds for those who need them helps ensure people get timely care.

Healthcare provider assists a patient using crutches beside a hospital bed during discharge preparation.
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Our aim is to discharge patients by 10 a.m.

However, discharges may happen at any time during the day.

Discharge process from hospital to home or community

The Ottawa Hospital’s goal is to safely transition patients back to home or community once their care is completed. Due to high demand, patients may experience room changes or placement in alternative spaces:

  • You may also be moved to another campus of The Ottawa Hospital if your care needs can be better supported there.
  • After receiving the specialized care you need, you may be transferred to a hospital closer to home.

Please remember to talk with your care team early about your needs and concerns.

Illustration indicating that patients are discharged from the hospital at 10:00 a.m.

Reasons to stay in the hospital 

  • You need close monitoring for a new or unstable medical condition.
  • You require medical care that can only be provided in the hospital.
  • You are waiting for essential community services to be put in place.

Reasons to go to the community/home

  • Your condition is stabilizing, and your treatments have started.
  • Your care can be managed in the community.
  • Follow-up appointments or tests can be arranged from home or the community.

Our health-care teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals work closely with our community partners, including Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) to help create a plan that addresses your care needs when you leave the hospital.

Illustration of a patient leaving the hospital with a mobility aid and returning to the community, supporting recovery outside the hospital when it is safe to do so.

How you can help plan next steps

  • Talk with your care team early about your needs and concerns.
  • Ask questions about what to expect and what support is available.
  • Involve family, friends, or caregivers if that is helpful.

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 hospital. Please try to keep any meetings you and your family have with your health-care team. We appreciate your cooperation, and we look forward to supporting you in your safe transition back into the community. 

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Please note: This information does not replace advice from your doctor or care team. If you have questions on how this applies to you, please speak to your care team.