Hospital Discharge
Naturally, the main question on the mind of most patients is "When can I go home."
Your progress in the CVPC unit will be monitored carefully and when the surgeon is satisfied that the healing process is proceeding appropriately, you will be provided with written discharge instructions. These instructions will explain about pain control, bathing, cleaning the incision wound, exercising, and other important aspects of your ongoing care. You will also be advised about follow-up visits with the surgeon.
After the discharge paperwork is completed and you are dressed and ready to leave, a member of the nursing staff will take you from the Owen Heart Tower building in a wheelchair. If you are going home by car, the driver should collect you at the front entrance to the heart tower building. There is a circular driveway to make access easy, and the exit in under cover in case of bad weather.
The most important things to know are that as with any recovery process, there will be good days and bad, but it is vitally important to follow the instructions provided to you during the discharge process to ensure the best possible long-term results from your cardiovascular procedure.