In mid-July, we opened with a centralized waiting area for discharged patients. Staffed Monday-Friday, 10:45 a.m.-7:15 p.m., the lounge accommodates patients who are medically ready for discharge but are waiting to be picked up by a family member or friend.
In addition to facilitating earlier discharges and opening beds on inpatient units, the lounge helps improve patient flow and reduces the patient load throughout the hospital.
Its central location on the second floor of the Hospital (formerly Surgery Waiting Room 2) makes it convenient for caregivers to pick up family members and friends who have been inpatients from the main or Pavilion entrances.
Patients waiting for transportation in the Discharge Lounge must have attire to wear in the
lounge and be:
- Ambulatory with minimal assistance (must be able to get into their home or building)
- Alert and oriented
- Able to toilet independently and self-administer medications
Updated for a relaxing environment, the lounge has recliners and a television. It’s also close to the Healing Garden for a stroll and the Gift Shop to shop for a snack or beverage.