Passport trial opens the door to better hospital discharges

A ‘Hospital Passport’ for Southland Hospital medical ward patients is being trialled to help improve discharge communication with patients, and increase the number of before midday discharges.

The passport idea was conceived after the ‘Home for Lunch team’ found that staff were having to deal with last minute discharge complications that could have been resolved if the information was available earlier – such as transport issues, equipment and support.

The passport runs through questions and check boxes such as, ‘I know what my medications are for,’ and ‘Are you able to prepare your meals?’

Patients lead the process and fill in the Passport to the best of their ability with the help and support of nursing, medical and allied health staff.

 “A Hospital Passport is a guide through a patient’s hospital admission, helping them understand the processes, which leads to a stress free, successful discharge. We hope this is a useful tool for our patients and their family/ whānau to use,” says Maria Baynes, Quality Improvement Facilitator.