Returning to China for rehabilitation: airport-to-facility handover

Name the type of receiving destination

Ask whether the patient is heading to a rehabilitation hospital, a nursing care institution, another licensed facility or home. The facility determines its own admission criteria, capacity, time of reception and required information. Do not describe a family’s preferred institution as a confirmed destination until it has responded.

Check the first-hours care plan

The sending team should describe the patient’s mobility, any ongoing oxygen or monitoring needs, medicines or equipment that must remain available during transit, and what handover information the destination expects. The local provider then assesses the road journey and its actual equipment and staffing. This page does not assess medical suitability for rehabilitation.

Put transport and acceptance on the same calendar

Compare the flight arrival time with the facility’s admission window, allowing for disembarkation, border control, baggage and road travel. If the facility will not receive the patient at the projected hour, agree a clinically appropriate alternative with responsible professionals rather than sending a vehicle to an unconfirmed address.

Do not treat a rehabilitation bed like an emergency department

An emergency service and a planned facility admission have different processes. An emergency or deteriorating patient should be directed to the appropriate clinical and emergency pathway. A planned rehabilitation transfer needs prior acceptance by the actual facility and a named handover point.

Agree the family and escort roles

Confirm who travels with the patient, who has the documents and personal effects, who can authorise changes and who signs for receipt at the destination. A relative abroad should designate a person who can answer calls in China if the flight is delayed or the destination changes.

Handover responsibility map

Questions before a booking

Can a ground vehicle be reserved while the rehabilitation bed is pending?

Possible options can be discussed, but the journey remains provisional until the facility confirms acceptance and timing.

What if the patient cannot travel to rehabilitation after arrival?

The appropriate treating and receiving clinicians decide the care destination. Do not substitute a rehabilitation booking for emergency assessment when a patient requires urgent care.