The updated repatriation policy applies to rehabilitation patients who require re-admission to acute care. The policy, developed with acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, is designed to enhance flow and reduce inefficiencies.

The policy focuses on releasing beds (for most patients) when they are re-admitted to acute care for assessment or treatment, but includes special bed-holding considerations for some patient populations.

The Network has also worked with hospitals on additional resources to support consistent application of the policy (see below).

The repatriation policy maximizes occupancy of rehab/CCC beds across the system and reduces the risk of patients being sent back without advance notice and without confirmation that required medications and resources are in place.