After a hospital stay, the most important task for patients and families and staff is preparing for a successful discharge home.  It is disappointing for everyone if a patient requires and unexpected readmission into hospital. 

 

Tracking the number of patients who experience unplanned readmission to hospital after a previous hospital stay is one way that we can judge the quality of hospital care. It is important to note that unplanned readmissions may or may not be related to the previous visit, and some unplanned readmissions are not preventable.  Good discharge plans can help reduce the rate of unplanned readmission. By giving patients the care instructions they need after a hospital stay and by helping patients recognise symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. 

 

What is Bathurst Private Hospital doing to reduce unplanned readmission to hospital?

• Reviews each case of  an unplanned readmission to hospital with in 28 days of discharge to check if there were any preventable factors

• Check each patient’s risk for readmission.

• Use a consistent process for discharging patients that includes making sure patients understand their medication and other instructions

• Arranging prompt follow up care and ongoing appointments e.g. with physiotherapist and GP

• Monitor the data to make sure the rate of unplanned readmission is not increasing