Day of Discharge
Please keep in mind that when your physician informs you that you may go home, there may be several orders that must be completed first. Your nurse will follow the physician's discharge orders, which in some cases include additional testing, education and/or medication adjustments. These orders may take up to two hours to complete. Please do not call for transportation until your nurse gives you a definite time for your discharge.

We ask that you arrange to leave the hospital by noon on the day of discharge so that we may prepare patient rooms for incoming patients.

Discharge Instructions
When you are ready to be discharged, your doctor and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, activities or other matters, please be sure to ask at this time. The hospital pharmacy is not available to fill prescriptions given to you at discharge.

Personal Belongings
Be sure to take all your belongings. A nurse can suggest what disposable items used during your hospital care can be taken home. If you have valuables stored in the hospital safe or medications securely stored by your nurse, ask your nurse to arrange for them to be brought to you.

Escort Service
If your billing and insurance information is complete, it will not be necessary for you to stop at the cashier’s office. If more information is needed or if payment is to be made, hospital staff will escort you to the cashier before you leave the hospital. When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff or a volunteer will escort you to the front entrance and help you into your car.

Transportation
Transportation for patients and visitors leaving the hospital is available through the Athens Transit System and local cab companies. Buses stop at the Visitor Entrance of the hospital when called in advance. A route schedule is available at the Visitor Entrance Information Desk. Volunteers at the desk will assist patients and visitors with calling a cab.