When your doctor decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. You may want to make plans for a family member or friend to help you when it’s time to go home. A staff member will escort you to the front entrance and help you in the car.

Your doctor and nurse will give you instructions on post-hospital care. Included will be a reminder to report any sign of infection if it should develop after discharge. This is especially important to make sure wounds heal as expected. If you have questions, be sure to ask.

Professional Social Workers can help families arrange for home care, nursing home admission or other medical or personal needs. You need to inquire about insurance coverage for these services before being discharged. To request Discharge Planning or Social Services, contact your nurse.

Personal Belongings

Collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers. If you have any valuables stored in the hospital safe, the nurse will help you retrieve these.

Customer Satisfaction

St. Joseph Hospital conducts a customer satisfaction telephone survey several times a year. If you are called after your hospital service, please know that your participation is appreciated but entirely voluntary. The research firm does not have access to patient records, which are maintained in strictest confidence. This research is used to help us improve our service.

Complaints or Concerns

St. Joseph Hospital is committed to meeting the needs of patients and families. If you are not satisfied with any aspect of hospital services, please let us know. Only by hearing your complaint immediately can we address your concern. If you have a complaint or concern, you may:

• Tell your caregiver (nurse or other staff person).
• Ask to speak to a Nurse Team Leader, available on all units, 24 hours a day.
• Ask to speak to the Manager/Director in the department on which you are a patient (Monday – Friday), or dial 0 and ask for the House Manager after hours and on weekends.
• Call or write the Risk Manager at the hospital, (360) 738-6316, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225-1898. You may request a response in writing.
• Call Administration at ext. 6797.
• You have the right to contact the Washington State Department of Health if you have concerns. Call toll-free: (800) 633-6828.

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