Discharge From Shriners Hospital

What To Know About When It's Time to Go Home

Will Your Child Have Home Health Care Needs?

In cases where a child will need equipment or home care needs, your social worker or care coordinator can help secure resources.

Outpatient Follow-up Care

Before your child leaves the hospital, we will schedule a follow-up appointment with the outpatient clinic. If the clinic is closed, we'll mail an appointment card to you.

Care in the Community

Often patients need special equipment and services after leaving the hospital. The hospital does not pay for these services; however, your  care coordinator may assist in trying to locate resources for items such as dressing supplies, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, therapy, etc.

Information To Take Home

To assist you in caring for your child at home, a nurse or therapist will provide instructions and teaching materials.

Signing Out

A return appointment and patient discharge plan will be given to you at the time your child is discharged. A member of the nursing staff will escort you and your child to the front lobby and assist in securing the child in car safety restraints and assure a proper fit.

If Someone Else Is Picking Up Your Child

A signed release form is required authorizing the release of a child from the hospital to anyone other than a legal guardian or parent. Shriner van drivers cannot transport a chid unless the child is accompanied by an adult. Please contact your nurse for more information.

Car Seats/Safety Restraints

All children are to be properly restrained when riding in a vehicle. If a child is under 4 years of age or under 40 pounds, a car seat must be used when traveling to and from the hospital. This applies whether traveling in a private vehicle, Shrine van, or taxi cab. If a child is unable to fit into a regular car restraint system after surgery, the hospital has a car seat/safety restraint loaner program.

Extra Pillows For the Ride Home

A little extra padding may be need for children who have just been released from a same-day surgery. Please bring pillows and a blanket or comforter from home to keep your child comfortable on the car trip or van ride home.