At UCLH we aim to discharge patients by 12.00. If you cannot go straight home at that time for any reason, we will ask you to wait in the patient lounge (if your hospital site has one – details are below). This is to let the next patient be admitted to the ward while we are completing the final arrangements for you. You can wait here to be collected to go home and for your 'take-home' medicines.
It may take time for all your medications to arrive from the pharmacy so please be prepared to wait for an average time of one hour. The patient lounge offers hot and cold beverages, snacks, light meals, television and magazines, access to toilets, and nursing support.
Please note that your discharge will usually be led by the nurse and you may not always get to see your consultant on the day you leave.
Patient lounge locations and opening times:
- University College Hospital, ground floor, atrium
- Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 20:00
- Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Grafton Way Building, 1st floor
- Monday to Friday, 09.00 - 17.00
Taxis can be arranged at the reception desk or patient lounge, but you will have to pay for them.
Hospital transport is only provided for those who for medical reasons are unable to use other forms of transport. An assessment will be carried out to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. Find out more about patient transport eligibility here.
