Clinical Governance Policies
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Admission & Discharge Policy
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to providing a structured, transparent and patient-centred admission and discharge process that promotes continuity of care, patient safety and effective communication throughout the patient's healthcare journey.
This Admission & Discharge Policy has been developed with reference to the National Medical Commission (Registered Medical Practitioner – Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (where applicable), the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act, 1997 (where applicable), the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the patient care principles promoted by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
The Hospital is committed to ensuring that admissions, transfers and discharges are managed in a safe, timely, ethical and coordinated manner while respecting patient rights, maintaining confidentiality and supporting continuity of medical care.
Purpose of this Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish a consistent and patient-centred framework for admission, inpatient management, discharge planning and continuity of care. The policy aims to ensure that every patient receives safe, coordinated and efficient healthcare services from the time of admission until discharge or referral.
This policy also promotes clear communication, appropriate clinical documentation, informed decision-making, patient education and effective discharge planning to support safe recovery after leaving the Hospital.
Safe Admission
Structured admission procedures for timely and appropriate patient care.
Clinical Care
Coordinated assessment and treatment throughout hospitalisation.
Discharge Planning
Clear discharge instructions and continuity of care after treatment.
Patient Safety
Safe transitions of care through effective communication and planning.
Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to all patients receiving inpatient, day-care, emergency or elective admission services at Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital. It also applies to all doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, administrative staff and support personnel involved in the admission, treatment, transfer and discharge of patients.
The policy covers patient registration, admission, identification, clinical assessment, discharge planning, discharge documentation, billing clearance, referrals and follow-up care.
"Every patient deserves a safe, coordinated and respectful transition through every stage of their healthcare journey."
Our Commitment to Safe Admission & Discharge
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to ensuring that every patient receives timely admission, appropriate clinical assessment, coordinated treatment, effective discharge planning and comprehensive follow-up guidance. Our processes are designed to promote patient safety, continuity of care and informed decision-making.
Our Patient Care Commitment
We are committed to providing a seamless admission and discharge experience through effective communication, coordinated multidisciplinary care, comprehensive discharge planning and patient education, while supporting our ongoing journey towards future NABH accreditation.
Admission Process
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital follows a structured admission process to ensure that patients receive timely, safe and coordinated medical care. Admissions may be planned, referred by another healthcare provider or initiated through emergency services based on the patient's clinical condition.
During admission, the Hospital shall verify patient identity, collect essential medical and administrative information, explain admission procedures and initiate appropriate clinical assessment and treatment.
Admission Includes
- Patient registration.
- Identity verification.
- Collection of demographic and medical information.
- Assignment of Hospital identification number.
- Initial nursing and medical assessment.
- Allocation of appropriate bed or treatment area.
Admission Commitment
Every admission is managed in a coordinated manner to promote patient safety, confidentiality and continuity of care from the earliest stage of treatment.
Emergency & Planned Admissions
Admissions may occur as planned elective admissions or as emergency admissions depending upon the patient's medical condition. Emergency patients shall receive prompt assessment and stabilisation based on clinical priority, while planned admissions shall be scheduled according to clinical requirements and resource availability.
Planned Admissions
- Scheduled surgeries.
- Elective procedures.
- Planned medical treatment.
- Pre-admission evaluation where applicable.
Emergency Admissions
- Immediate medical assessment.
- Clinical triage.
- Emergency stabilisation.
- Admission based on medical necessity.
"Emergency admissions are prioritised according to clinical urgency to ensure timely and appropriate medical care."
Patient Identification & Initial Assessment
Correct patient identification is essential for safe healthcare delivery. Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital shall use recognised patient identification procedures to minimise the risk of identification errors and support accurate clinical decision-making.
Following admission, an initial assessment shall be performed by qualified healthcare professionals to evaluate the patient's clinical condition, medical history, current medications, allergies and immediate healthcare needs.
Admission Documentation & Consent
Appropriate admission documentation shall be completed in accordance with applicable legal requirements and Hospital procedures. Patients or their authorised representatives shall be informed about the admission process, Hospital policies and financial responsibilities where reasonably practicable.
Required consent for admission, treatment, procedures or investigations shall be obtained in accordance with the Hospital's Consent Policy, applicable Indian law and recognised professional standards. Patient information shall be handled in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Hospital's Privacy & Confidentiality Policy.
Admission Documentation
Accurate admission documentation supports patient safety, continuity of care, legal compliance, effective communication among healthcare professionals and high-quality clinical record-keeping.
Inpatient Care & Care Coordination
During hospitalisation, Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital shall provide coordinated, patient-centred care through a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Clinical care shall be planned, documented and regularly reviewed to ensure continuity, patient safety and appropriate medical management throughout the patient's stay.
Doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals shall communicate effectively with patients and their authorised representatives regarding diagnosis, treatment progress, investigations, procedures and expected outcomes whenever reasonably practicable.
Coordinated Patient Care
- Regular medical review.
- Nursing assessment and monitoring.
- Medication management.
- Diagnostic investigations.
- Multidisciplinary care coordination.
- Patient and family communication.
Continuity of Care
Effective communication among healthcare professionals supports safe treatment, reduces clinical risks and promotes better patient outcomes.
Discharge Planning
Discharge planning begins as early as reasonably practicable during the patient's hospital stay to ensure a safe transition from hospital care to home or another healthcare facility. Planning is based on the patient's medical condition, recovery progress and continuing care requirements.
Before discharge, the treating medical team shall evaluate the patient's clinical stability, ongoing treatment needs, medication requirements and follow-up care to promote continuity of treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
"Effective discharge planning promotes patient safety, continuity of care and successful recovery after leaving the Hospital."
Discharge Summary, Medicines & Follow-up Care
Patients shall receive an appropriate discharge summary prepared by the treating medical practitioner. The discharge summary assists patients and future healthcare providers in understanding the treatment provided and any ongoing medical requirements.
Patients shall receive appropriate advice regarding prescribed medicines, diet, activity, wound care (where applicable), follow-up appointments and warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Discharge Summary Includes
- Final diagnosis.
- Treatment provided.
- Procedures performed.
- Medicines prescribed.
- Follow-up instructions.
- Emergency contact advice where appropriate.
Safe Recovery
Clear discharge instructions and medication guidance help patients continue their recovery safely after leaving the Hospital.
Billing Clearance, Referral & Transfer
Before discharge, the Hospital shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that billing procedures, insurance documentation and other administrative requirements are completed. Patients shall receive an itemised bill in accordance with the Hospital's Billing & Pricing Transparency Policy.
Where continued treatment at another healthcare facility is clinically indicated, the Hospital shall coordinate the referral or transfer process by providing relevant medical records, referral documentation and communication with the receiving healthcare provider, wherever reasonably practicable.
Patient Responsibilities
Patients and their authorised representatives play an important role in ensuring safe, effective and coordinated healthcare. Patients are encouraged to provide complete and accurate information, participate in treatment decisions and cooperate with healthcare professionals throughout the admission and discharge process.
Hospital Responsibilities
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to providing safe, ethical and patient-centred healthcare from admission through discharge. The Hospital shall ensure that admission, treatment, discharge planning and follow-up are managed in accordance with recognised clinical standards and applicable legal requirements.
Hospital Commitments
- Provide timely admission and clinical assessment.
- Maintain accurate medical records and documentation.
- Prepare comprehensive discharge summaries.
- Provide medication counselling and follow-up advice.
- Support safe referrals and continuity of care.
- Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.
Commitment to Continuity of Care
Our multidisciplinary healthcare team works collaboratively to ensure that patients receive coordinated care, clear discharge guidance and appropriate follow-up support after leaving the Hospital.
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital regularly evaluates its admission and discharge processes through patient feedback, clinical audits, discharge reviews, quality indicators and staff education programmes. Opportunities for improvement are incorporated into Hospital procedures to strengthen patient safety and continuity of care.
Quality Commitment
Continuous monitoring and quality improvement help ensure efficient admission processes, effective discharge planning and safe transitions of care, while supporting the Hospital's journey towards future NABH accreditation.
Policy Review
This Admission & Discharge Policy shall be reviewed periodically by Hospital Management to ensure continued alignment with applicable Indian healthcare laws, recognised clinical standards, professional ethics and evolving best practices in patient care.
"Safe admission, coordinated treatment and effective discharge planning are essential components of quality healthcare."
Contact Information
For questions regarding admission procedures, discharge planning or this policy, patients and their authorised representatives may contact the Hospital Administration.
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital
Address:
No. 5/91, Near Apollo Hospital OMR,
Church Road, Perungudi,
Chennai – 600096, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone: +91 98407 92932
Email: contactus@slmsh.com
Regulatory & Standards Reference
This Admission & Discharge Policy has been developed with reference to applicable Indian healthcare laws, professional regulations and recognised quality standards governing patient admission, continuity of care, discharge planning and healthcare administration.
Applicable Indian Laws
- National Medical Commission (Registered Medical Practitioner – Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (where applicable).
- Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act, 1997 and applicable Rules.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
- Applicable Central and State Government healthcare regulations.
Quality & Professional Standards
- NABH Standards – Access, Assessment & Continuity of Care (AAC).
- NABH Standards – Care of Patients (COP).
- NABH Standards – Patient Rights & Education (PRE).
- NABH Standards – Information Management System (IMS).
- NABH Standards – Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
- Clinical Governance & Continuity of Care Principles.
"Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to providing safe, coordinated and patient-centred admission and discharge services in accordance with recognised Indian healthcare laws, professional standards and our ongoing commitment towards future NABH accreditation."