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St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake

Discharge
Planning

Discharge Planning is a process that determines the kind of care, if any, a patient needs after leaving our Hospital. Discharge plans ensure the smooth transition of a patient from our Hospital to another medical facility or back to their home, and planning begins as soon as a patient is admitted to our Hospital.

Many different departments at SJGHEL, along with our community partners, can be involved in Discharge Planning. By working together, the care team determines what services a patient will need at their next destination, whether that is at their own home or somewhere else.

Discharge Planning is supported on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individualized needs of the patient. For example, Discharge Planning for a patient admitted for mental health will usually focus on ongoing mental health supports in community after initial Psychiatric consults during admission. Conversely, when someone is admitted after experiencing a fall they will likely work with Physiotherapy for mobility and strengthening. As such, Discharge Planning focusses on services and possible equipment to support ongoing recovery or adjustment to a new baseline. In addition, some patients may not require any of these supports for discharge, and only require information about the discharge process and potential follow-up appointments after they leave SJGHEL.

A variety of our Allied Health departments and resources such as your Physician, Nurse, Dietician, Physiotherapist & Physiotherapy Assistants, and Social Worker may be involved, along with Home & Community Care Support Services and other external partner services such as:

There are other services that do not require referral but may be involved in a patient’s discharge, such as Veterans’ Affairs Canada, or information that may be provided, such as how to access the foodbank or crisis services. This process is patient-centred and focusses on the needs of each individual.

It is important to remember that a change in health status requiring further investigations, treatments, or wait times for certain assessments may impact Discharge Planning timelines. These changes will be communicated with the patient or their Secondary Decision Maker or Power of Attorney. We understand these delays may be frustrating and the care team will continue to provide required support in our Hospital, including ongoing Discharge Planning to ensure plans continue to reflect the patient’s care needs or are modified as required.

Additionally, all referrals require consent from the patient or their Secondary Decision Maker or Power of Attorney (if the patient is not able to provide consent). Services that the care team identify as beneficial will be discussed, as well as potential risks, if the patient or their Secondary Decision Maker or Power of Attorney declines referral for these services. Though we empathize with wanting to ensure a loved one receives the utmost support available, self-determination and autonomy must be respected. Contact information for services can be provided upon discharge to consider self-referral in the future if interested.

For more information on Discharge Planning:

Social Worker
(705) 848-7181 ext. 2340