Click to view Emergency Department (A&E) waiting times
91 People
Number of people in A&E department
1:05 Hours
Average wait to be seen by a clinician
2:32 Hours
Average time in the department

Discharge Lounge

On the day you leave hospital you will usually be transferred to the Discharge Lounge, where you will be looked after by registered nurses and health care assistants. The dedicated team there will communicate with your ward staff, transport crew, family members and the pharmacy to ensure you have a safe and seamless discharge.

The Discharge Lounge is a safe, secure area which accommodates 18 patients. There is tea, coffee and snacks available at any time, with hot food served at mealtimes. Additionally, there is radio, television, as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Your medication and a discharge letter will be provided and will be fully explained by either the ward nurse (if your medication is ready on the ward), or by a Discharge Lounge nurse (if your medication is ready after you’ve left the ward).

If you have hospital transport booked, the ambulance crew will collect you from the Discharge Lounge.

Your relatives can come and collect you from the Discharge Lounge. Parking is available nearby via the 30-minute pick up and drop off bay at London Road entrance car park. 

How can I help the discharge process?
  • Make arrangements for transport home (family, friend, taxi etc.). If this is difficult, let ward staff know before the day of discharge.
  • If you need hospital transport, a member of the ward staff will book this for you.
  • Let your family know where to pick you up from (the Discharge Lounge). A member of staff can help you with directions.
  • Change into a suitable clothing and footwear to go home.
  • Make sure your home is accessible, e.g. have your key ready, know your key safe number, have a relative or friend waiting for you at home to let you in.