SECTION 01
Ask what the facility expects from the companion
Some procedures or sedation pathways require a responsible adult for discharge and early recovery. Ask when the companion must arrive, where they may wait, what identification is needed and whether they can stay nearby or overnight.
A companion's absence can change or postpone a plan if safe discharge arrangements are not met. Confirm requirements before flights and accommodation are booked.
- Share facility address and contact details.
- Confirm discharge collection time and transport.
- Plan backup support if the companion becomes unavailable.
SECTION 02
Define practical tasks without assigning clinical duties
A companion may help record instructions, obtain food, carry luggage, support approved mobility and notice a change. They should not adjust medicines, drains, dressings or clinical devices without instruction.
The treating team should teach any approved tasks and provide written warning signs. Urgent symptoms should be escalated to the clinical team or emergency service, not managed by the companion alone.
SECTION 03
Protect consent and patient autonomy
The patient should make decisions with the treating clinician and qualified interpretation when needed. A companion can support questions but should not pressure the patient, speak over them or conceal concerns.
Discuss privacy preferences before the consultation, including what information may be shared. The patient can request time alone with the clinician when appropriate.
SECTION 04
Plan support through discharge and travel
The care pathway depends on the final procedure and assessment. If the treating team selects general anesthesia and the patient is clinically cleared, the group's common planning pathway is about two inpatient days of observation. A local-anesthesia case may leave the same day after observation and discharge clearance. If external sutures are used, review or removal is often considered around day 7, but the treating team sets the actual schedule. International patients should travel only after clinical clearance.
The companion should keep the itinerary flexible because discharge, reviews and travel clearance can change. If they return home earlier, confirm who will support the patient and how local care will be accessed.
- Use accommodation with simple lift and transport access.
- Keep medicines and instructions organized but patient-specific.
- Do not leave for the airport before clinical clearance.