Hospital Discharge Summary

A discharge summary is a clinical report prepared by a health professional at the end of a hospital stay.

Tips & Links

• After spending time in the hospital, a discharge summary or plan is written and given to the patient, family, or care partners assisting with the discharge from hospital.
• Learn about what a discharge summary or plan includes in your preparation to go home after a hospital stay from Healthlink BC.
• Review the discharge summary with your nurse. It may include changes to your medications and new prescriptions, home treatments, activity restrictions and/or exercises, diet recommendations, a follow-up date to see your physician, nurse practitioner or specialist, and possibly a referral for a home care assessment or home safety assessment.
• Be aware that in most cases, the hospital staff cannot discharge you until the summary is completed and reviewed with you. It is important that your family members, health advocate, or care partners understand all that is written in the summary.
• You may be able to get a copy of your hospital discharge summary from Health Gateway BC.
• Make a list of what is needed before you are discharged from the hospital. Include safe transportation home, any new prescriptions, and any mobility aids/devices or home care equipment required.

Tools – Handouts & Videos