Hospital to home transport: a discharge journey checklist
The hospital team decides when discharge is medically appropriate. This guide helps families organise the practical journey home after that decision, without replacing the discharge plan or clinical instructions.
Start planning before discharge day
The HSE's current Length of Stay Optimisation Guideline says discharge planning should begin early, patients and carers should be involved, and a discharge checklist should be used before the person leaves. A predicted date or collection time may still change, so identify a coordinator and agree how the ward will update them.
A transport booking should follow the clinical plan. If the person needs an ambulance, clinical observation, oxygen, specialist seating, lifting or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, tell the hospital team and proposed transport provider. Do not assume an ordinary car or non-medical companion is suitable.
Hospital to home transport checklist
1. Confirm the collection point
- Hospital, building, ward, day unit or discharge lounge
- Expected collection window and the number to call for an update
- Whether the collector must be named or approved in advance
- Where the collector should park, wait or check in
2. Confirm the person's transport needs
- Whether the hospital team says an ordinary vehicle is appropriate
- Any mobility aid, wheelchair, luggage or equipment travelling home
- Help required for the vehicle transfer or route to the front door
- Whether an adult must remain with the person after arrival
3. Collect the written discharge information
- Discharge letter or communication
- Current medicine list and written instructions
- Prescriptions or information about where they will be filled
- Follow-up appointments, tests and contact details for questions
The HSE's integrated discharge-planning material advises patients to obtain a complete list of medicines, including changes made in hospital. A driver or companion can carry documents but should not interpret them or make medication decisions.
4. Prepare the destination
- Keys, Eircode, entry instructions and a working phone number
- A clear route from the vehicle to the chair, toilet or bed
- Heating, lighting, essential food and agreed personal items
- The name of the family member, carer or service taking over after arrival
5. Put changes and cancellation terms in writing
- What happens if the ward changes the discharge time
- How waiting time is handled
- The exact tasks included and excluded
- The quote, payment and cancellation terms
- Who must be contacted if the person's condition changes
Family, taxi, companion or clinical transport?
The correct option depends on the hospital's instructions and the person's needs. A family member may be suitable for a straightforward collection. A taxi provides a journey but may not meet a clinic's escort rule or offer help at the ward and home. A non-medical companion may provide practical collection and settling-in support if the hospital accepts the arrangement and the booking is confirmed.
Clinical transport is a separate service. Ask the discharge team if the person needs medical supervision, specialist equipment or a transport arrangement coordinated by the hospital. Here2Help is not an ambulance or healthcare provider.
Related discharge guides
Older parent leaving hospital
Use the elderly parent hospital discharge checklist to organise family roles and HSE questions.
HSE home support
Read the current HSE Home Support Service application guide.
After colonoscopy sedation
Confirm the clinic's rules using the colonoscopy transport and escort guide.
University Hospital Limerick
See the UHL discharge transport checklist and official Discharge Suite information.
Official sources
Reviewed 25 July 2026. Check the hospital's own current instructions for the individual discharge.