Cardiac discharge

Prior to discharge, your nurse will provide you with the relevant information and education you need. 

Discharge checklist:

  • Follow up appointments booked 
  • Chest X-ray form received 
  • Plan for future immunisations  
  • Sternal precaution education (teaches patients how to protect their sternum post-surgery for better healing and fewer complications)
  • Discharge summary 
  • Medical certificate  
  • Discharge medications and instructions on dosage and administration 
  • Seven day medication supply from hospital pharmacy 
  • Outpatient scripts

Follow up appointments

You will be given follow-up appointments with the surgeon and the cardiologist. 

Before the follow-up visit to the surgeon your child should have a chest x-ray. You will be given an x-ray form together with the appointment cards before being discharged. 

Medications

Your child may need medication for a few weeks or sometimes longer, depending on the heart condition and the type of surgery they have had. The cardiologist or surgeon may adjust or stop the medication in follow-up visits. 

During your hospital stay you will be given instructions on how to give medications to your child. 

The hospital pharmacy will provide a small supply of medications free of charge. Any medications that are not readily available may be purchased at the hospital pharmacy for a standard fee. You will be given a prescription for the hospital parmacy and a separate prescription for your local chemist. 

Wound care

  • Your child's dressing will be removed before discharge, unless told otherwise.
  • Once home and the wound is dry or scabbed over, gently wash and pat dry, avoiding harsh soaps.
  • Avoid immersing or soaking the wound in baths or swimming until after your follow-up appointment.
  • Protect your child's scars from direct sunlight until they appear normal; sun exposure can slow healing.
  • Contact the Cardiac CNC if you see redness, swelling, or oozing at the wound site.
  • The scar will fade over time.
  • At the follow-up appointment about two weeks after discharge, the surgeon will discuss using moisturisers and ointments.
  • It takes about six weeks for the breastbone to heal. Avoid contact sports and lifting your child under the arms during this time.
  • Normal activities can resume after six weeks unless advised otherwise.
  • Protect your child's scars from direct sunlight until they appear normal; sun exposure can slow healing.