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Buffalo/Batavia VA Medical Center Discharge Procedures
Discharge Procedures
Early during your stay, your health care team will talk to you about your after hospitalization care needs, anticipated discharge date, and how to receive your follow up care.
If supplies are needed at time of discharge, the discharge nurse will review them with you. If medication is prescribed, it can be picked up at the outpatient pharmacy as you leave the hospital. You can ask questions and receive an individual consultation while at the outpatient pharmacy.
If you are on a special diet, a dietitian will counsel you and your family on how to follow your diet at home.
Collecting Your Personal Belongings
Make sure you have collected everything from your bedside area and are completely ready to leave.
Discharge times vary. The patient and staff, based upon what is convenient, establish discharge time collaboratively. Your social worker can discuss special transportation needs with you.
Check with your nurse before leaving the ward for discharge instructions and to complete the necessary paperwork. If you have any money on deposit with the Agent Cashier, plan to withdraw your balance. (See the Hospital Services section for Agent Cashier times and locations.) Remember, if you are going to be discharged on a weekend, you will need to do this ahead of time.
If you have funds at the Agent Cashier and are not physically able to get there, tell a member of your health care team so other arrangements can be made.
Lost and Found
If you lose any personal items during your stay, tell
your health care team. If needed, contact the VA
Police. If you find any items while at the hospital in
Buffalo or Batavia, take them to the Veterans
Service Center.
48 Hour Post Discharge Survey
You may be contacted for feedback about your stay
once you are discharged. Your comments will help
us to continue to meet our goal of providing quality
health care to our veteran patients and family. It is
important that we have your correct phone number
at time of discharge, especially if you will not be going to your own home.
Travel Lounge
In Buffalo, the lounge is located on the first floor
near the outpatient care entrance. It is open Monday
through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There is an
employee or volunteer on duty to assist veterans
while he/she waits for a ride home. Reading materials,
puzzles, and a television are available.
Home Care Services
Home care services are available to eligible veterans
who need assistance with care in their home after
being discharged from the hospital. The social
worker will coordinate these services and work
together with your health care team before your
discharge. Ask to meet with your ward social worker to discuss your needs.
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)
ADHC is an outpatient therapy focused program available in Buffalo, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This program provides health maintenance and rehabilitative services to veterans in a group setting by an interdisciplinary team. For more information, contact the Program Director at (716) 862-3244. ADHC is located on the sixth floor, D wing.
Community Living Centers/Community Resources
Social workers can help you and your family with your discharge planning. Contact the ward social worker early in your admission to discuss your needs. Referrals to VA programs and community resources should be made prior to your discharge.
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