Discharging a relative from hospital ?
Discussion
Afternoon,
Just asking where you stand on this ?
Background.
My parents live in Newcastle I live in Kent
My father (74) had a cardiac arrest in November, was touch and go. but has made a near miraculous recovery. He is on "some" heart medication - 3 tablets a day and is a little more doddery than he was. He can wash, shave, toilet, dress, make a cup of tea etc. WW took him home on xmas and new years day without problem he does not appear to pose a risk to himself or my mother (80).
The main heart doctor, that dealt with him when he was first admitted, has said there are no medical grounds to keep him in hospital, and he will refer his case to social services to manage his release. I understand SS are busy and they always seem to get a bad press but the delay in assessing him has is causing other problems.
As he suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain he was put on a stroke ward with what appear to be "mad old men" - random shouting and fighting the nurses, it is also very boring being locked in a ward all day. I have been up several times since November with two week spells really to help my mother, the stress etc is causing her to become ill, especially when everyone admits there is no need to keep him in hospital. There was suggestion that SS can take 6 weeks to do their bit.
Yes there are medical risks of taking him home - but the doctor / nurses agree there are no medical issues to keep him in hospital, my mother is confident that he can come home, I will go up for several days when he comes out just help things settle and watch to make sure he is ok.
Where do we stand with care if you discharge him ourselves ? SS will need to do their checks, but for a "medically" fit man to stay in a hospital ward for u pto 6 weeks would be enough to drive anybody mad !
Thanks
Del
Just asking where you stand on this ?
Background.
My parents live in Newcastle I live in Kent
My father (74) had a cardiac arrest in November, was touch and go. but has made a near miraculous recovery. He is on "some" heart medication - 3 tablets a day and is a little more doddery than he was. He can wash, shave, toilet, dress, make a cup of tea etc. WW took him home on xmas and new years day without problem he does not appear to pose a risk to himself or my mother (80).
The main heart doctor, that dealt with him when he was first admitted, has said there are no medical grounds to keep him in hospital, and he will refer his case to social services to manage his release. I understand SS are busy and they always seem to get a bad press but the delay in assessing him has is causing other problems.
As he suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain he was put on a stroke ward with what appear to be "mad old men" - random shouting and fighting the nurses, it is also very boring being locked in a ward all day. I have been up several times since November with two week spells really to help my mother, the stress etc is causing her to become ill, especially when everyone admits there is no need to keep him in hospital. There was suggestion that SS can take 6 weeks to do their bit.
Yes there are medical risks of taking him home - but the doctor / nurses agree there are no medical issues to keep him in hospital, my mother is confident that he can come home, I will go up for several days when he comes out just help things settle and watch to make sure he is ok.
Where do we stand with care if you discharge him ourselves ? SS will need to do their checks, but for a "medically" fit man to stay in a hospital ward for u pto 6 weeks would be enough to drive anybody mad !
Thanks
Del
Capacity Test and then take it from there. Absolutely must be the starting point. As above, if capacitous then he's coming home, albeit "against medical advice".
The "decision taker" with regard to capacity in the case of a medical patient is identified as the doctor in charge of the patient's care (ref. Mental Capacity Act Code of Conduct).
paul
an afterthought - the capacity test is "at the material time" but i note that Butler-Schloss in "somebody or other vs. somebody else - Medical Patient" recorded a view that the testimony of family/friends/others with an interest in the patient's care should be afforded at least the same import as the outcome of a capacity test conducted within the clinical setting. The implication is that, in practice, the application of the test may not necessarily have to be "at the material time" and i infer that the views of others should be considered by the "decision taker"
The "decision taker" with regard to capacity in the case of a medical patient is identified as the doctor in charge of the patient's care (ref. Mental Capacity Act Code of Conduct).
paul
an afterthought - the capacity test is "at the material time" but i note that Butler-Schloss in "somebody or other vs. somebody else - Medical Patient" recorded a view that the testimony of family/friends/others with an interest in the patient's care should be afforded at least the same import as the outcome of a capacity test conducted within the clinical setting. The implication is that, in practice, the application of the test may not necessarily have to be "at the material time" and i infer that the views of others should be considered by the "decision taker"
Edited by paulmakin on Thursday 14th January 20:36
My best wishes to your father, and to you for supporting him, But Isn't this an example of every thing that is wrong in the UK, the assumption the family can't cope, so need to wait weeks using up a limited resource, shouldn't the assumption be to ship him out, and if the family need support then give it.
Say the SS decide you need a stair lift, what they going to do, wait 6 months to go home while its fitted, why not ship him home, and move a bed downstairs for 6 months? That's what we did with my Dad in the 80's, and you'd quickly have a practical assessment of what need doing, In this case where he was home for Christmas I bet you could right a report on what support you need now better than any one from the SS.
Say the SS decide you need a stair lift, what they going to do, wait 6 months to go home while its fitted, why not ship him home, and move a bed downstairs for 6 months? That's what we did with my Dad in the 80's, and you'd quickly have a practical assessment of what need doing, In this case where he was home for Christmas I bet you could right a report on what support you need now better than any one from the SS.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff