United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Bath VA Medical Center

Bath VA Medical Center Discharge Procedures

Discharge Procedures
Early during your stay, your health care team should talk to you about your after hospitalization care/needs, your anticipated discharge date, and any needed follow-up with your primary doctor. Your social worker will assist you if you need counseling or assistance with aftercare facilities such as a Community Living Center, a residential care facility, or a boarding facility.

If medication is prescribed, your medication and other supplies will be discussed with you prior to discharge. These items can then be picked up at the nursing station before you depart from the hospital. You can ask questions and receive individual consultations with a pharmacist if you have further questions.

You may then pick up your VA identification card from the nursing station. Check with your nurse before leaving the hospital for any other discharge instructions.

You can checkout after a member of your health care team has seen you with your discharge instructions and you have gotten your medications. We will work with you to have all of your discharge arrangements made at least one day prior to your discharge. If you need help arranging transportation home or have other special needs, your ward social worker can assist you. 48 Hour Post-Discharge Survey
You will be contacted for feedback about your stay once you are discharged. Your comments will help us to continue to improve our service to our veteran patients and family. It is important that we have your correct phone number at time of discharge.

Collecting Your Personal Belongings
Make sure you have collected everything from your bedside area, and are completely ready to leave. If you have any money on deposit with the Agent Cashier, located in section 4 in the domiciliary, plan to withdraw your balance. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Diets
If you are on a special diet, a dietitian will counsel you and your family on how to follow your diet at home. Let your health care team know that you wish to speak to a dietitian before discharge. 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, to make arrangements with Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) staff, or a community based agency. Any VA doctor can make HBPC referrals.

Homeless Veterans Coordinator
The goal of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program is to end homelessness among veterans through outreach efforts and community partnerships. Veterans are engaged in treatment and rehabilitation programs to enable them to achieve a better quality of life. The telephone number for The telephone number for the Homeless Veterans Program is (607) 664-4372. Community Living Center
Social workers can help you and your family resolve problems affecting your care, discharge planning, VA, and community resources. If you need counseling, or assistance with locating a care facility (Community Living Center, residential or boarding facility), see the social worker assigned to your ward or clinic. They are here to help you with any concern that will enhance your treatment, and maximize recovery.

Lost and Found
If you lose any personal items during your stay, tell your health care team. If needed, contact the VA police. Please take any items you may find while at the Medical Center to your ward or section staff, a primary care clerk or the VA police.