LHSC provides specialized acute care, with a focus on both your treatment and a safe, timely discharge. Planning for your discharge begins early so your transition home or to another care setting is as smooth as possible. Staying in hospital longer than necessary can increase your risk of infection and reduce mobility, which may slow recovery.
Most patients return home after discharge, but if you need additional support, your care team will review options with you. Before leaving, be sure you understand your discharge plan, make transportation arrangements, and review any costs that may apply.
All hospitals in Ontario must discharge patients when they no longer need hospital care. If a patient refuses discharge, their stay becomes uninsured and a daily charge will apply. For questions about your discharge plan, please speak with your care team.
Time of Discharge and Transportation
Please be prepared to leave the hospital at your scheduled discharge time.
Every effort is made to accurately predict the day and time of discharge, but you should be prepared for your discharge to occur earlier or later than planned. Your health-care team will keep you updated on any changes to your discharge time.
It is the responsibility of you and your family to make transportation arrangements. Transportation is not provided by the hospital and the hospital does not pay for transportation when someone leaves the hospital. If a family member or friend is unable to pick you up at your scheduled discharge time, you will need to make and pay for alternative arrangements (e.g. taxi, stretcher vehicle).
Lost and Found
Patients are responsible for ensuring that all belongings are collected before leaving the hospital. If you have forgotten something, immediately call the unit where you were a patient.
Valuable items left behind will be held by Security for 180 days. If you would like to inquire about a lost item, please call Security at 519-685-8500 extension 52281.
Charges for Take-Home Items
Supplies and devices not covered by OHIP, such as canes, crutches, neck collars, embolism stockings, dressings, or surgical supplies, that are taken home with you must be paid for through the Business Office. You will receive an invoice by mail, and payment can be made through the following methods:
- At the bank (Branch/Web/Telephone banking)
- Cheque/Money order
- Online payment with credit card ($1.50 convenience fee applies)
If payment is not made within 15 days, an invoice will be sent and a $10 minimum amount billed.
Business Office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (closed holidays and weekends).
If you have any questions, please call the Business Office at 519-663-3146.
Patient Experience Survey
Patient Experience surveys are an important way for us to learn about your experience at the hospital. Survey results help us know what we are doing well and what we can improve. If you provided us with your email when registering as a patient, you will be sent an email link two days after your appointment or discharge. The email will come from LHSCPatientExperienceSurveys@qemailserver.com.
Please visit the Patient Experience Survey page to learn more.
