Going Home

Throughout your hospital stay, we encourage you to ask questions and prepare for going home. Your child's care team will keep you up to date on your child's condition so that you know what needs to happen before your child can go home. The team will also work to make sure you have the information and resources to confidently care for your child at home. We encourage you to ask questions at any time during your stay.

As you prepare for your child's discharge, please arrange your transportation so that you will be ready to leave.

Day of Discharge
When your child's physician says your child can go home, your nurse will work through the discharge process with you. This process includes many steps in order to ensure a smooth transition. Your child's health care team will communicate with you throughout the process.

Your child's nurse or doctor will review your discharge instructions with you and give you a copy of the instructions to keep. Keep these instructions and take them with you to your child's next doctor's appointment.

Leaving the Hospital
When you leave the hospital, you may want to change your child into comfortable clothes. You will also need your child's safety seat for the ride home. A hospital staff member will help you and your child to your car. We recommend that two adults accompany a child home: one to drive and one to care for the child. If you are waiting for a ride, please wait in the lobby on Floor 1.

Car Seat Safety
Child passenger safety technicians are available to answer your questions about car seats or help with car seat installation. Dial 2-1219 at least 24 hours before you will be leaving the hospital. For more information about car seat safety, visit helendevoschildrens.org/safekids. 

Your Hospital Bill
If you have any questions or concerns about your hospital bill, please call Patent Financial Services at 616.774.1710 or toll free at 800.968.0145.