Leaving Hospital
When in hospital, the orthopaedic team will support you with the first stage of your recovery from surgery, and then you will continue with your recovery at home. It can sometimes seem daunting to leave hospital care, but before you leave, the team will make sure you are medically well and will be able to move around safely at home. You will also be given verbal and written information and advice to aid your recovery, as well as a contact number in case you have any queries or concerns.
Each surgery has its own criteria for safe discharge, but in general the following must be achieved before you leave hospital.
If you have had lower limb surgery (hip, knee, ankle, or foot), you must:
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be able to walk safely around the ward with crutches or another type of walking aid
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be able to manage a set of stairs or a step safely (depending on what you have at home)
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be able to manage your daily tasks (even if this is in an alternative way initially)
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be medically stable and your wound not actively bleeding
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be given information and advice for your recovery including medications, wound care and follow up appointments
If you have had upper limb surgery (shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand), you must:
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be able to manage your daily tasks (even if this is in an alternative way initially)
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be medically stable and your wound not actively bleeding
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be given information and advice for your recovery including medications, wound care and follow up appointments
Please note: if you have day case surgery you will need a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours following your operation.
If you have any questions about the progress of your recovery and your potential discharge date, please discuss it with a member of the orthopaedic team on your ward. We will try to keep you updated as you recover.
These are some common questions that patients have about their return home after their operation.
Will I be able to go up and down stairs?
Most patients will manage to go up and down stairs after their operation. If you have had surgery to your leg or foot, the physiotherapists will practise the stairs with you while you are in hospital. A description of how to go up and down stairs after your operation is included in your information booklet and a video demonstrating the technique can be found here.
If you are ‘non weight bearing’ (not allowed to put your foot to the floor) after surgery, the therapists will show you how to hop up if you are able. If you are not able to hop we can discuss the possibility of sleeping downstairs initially, or going up and down stairs on your bottom.
Will I be able to live alone?
A lot of patients will be able to manage alone at home after their operation. If you live alone it is important to consider how you will manage your grocery shopping and making and carrying meals. This section will provide more information to help you prepare.
Will I need care?
In most cases patients will not need to organise carers to assist them at home. However if you feel you may need some additional help, you can organise this before you come in for your surgery. The nurses can provide you with a list of companies who provide private care at your pre assessment appointment.
Will transport be provided to take me home?
We ask that you organise for a family member or friend to take you home from hospital, or alternatively use a taxi. If you feel you need hospital transport, please discuss this with a member of nursing staff.
