Type 1 Hospital discharge rules?

[Ledzeptt]

I'm in hospital at present, not diabetes-related, but it does complicate matters! (In particular the fasting and "stress" caused havoc with my BG for several days.)

I was admitted on an emergency basis, following a referral from my GP.

I get the impression from the "Doctors round" that I'm about to be discharged, but I'd rather stay (because I love the food, comfy bed, room service, etc ). I'm not a malingerer and I do realise NHS resources are in very short supply, but:

1. I had one procedure last week and was originally told I'd have a second procedure this week.
2. I currently have exactly the same symptoms for which I was originally admitted (low white blood cell count & other blood issues, abdominal pain, unable to eat full meals, weight loss I.e. lost 1.5kg in hospital last week).
3. I am hoping this second procedure will cure/alleviate these symptoms.

I can understand why the hospital needs to discharge me to free up the bed, particularly as I am mobile and have good care arrangements at home (unlike some of my fellow patients). The intention would be to bring me back (at some unknown date) to perform this second procedure. I'm worried that in practice it won't be this year.

Do I have any patient rights to stay? I couldn't find anything on the NHS website.

Am I being unreasonable or selfish by expecting to stay to see this through? What are your experiences?

 

[catherinecherub]

I would ask why the second procedure is not happening as was first stated.
You cannot really complain if you do not know the reason why. It may be in your best interest to schedule it for a later date. Who knows?

 

[Ledzeptt]

Hi Catherinecherub

Thanks for replying. It is a very good point and it wasn't explained yesterday.

However, all has been made clear a few minutes ago at today's "Doctors round". I do still need the second procedure, it's simply the case that it's performed by another team (I'm under the care of the Hepatobiliary & pancreas team) and that team is short staffed due to illness. Therefore, as I'm not classed as urgent, I'd be waiting in hospital for (potentially) weeks, so it does make sense to send me home for now. I've been assured that I will be high priority on the waiting list.

If this had been explained yesterday, it would have saved unnecessary worry.

Apparently my blood issues have improved, although not yet back to normal. I've been promised that I'll see a diabetes-specialist dietitian before I leave to help with eating.

I feel better about going home; at least I understand the reason now.

 

[Ledzeptt]

Update: I'm home now.

 

[fred1234]

Can't beat your own bed!!!! Hope all goes well and your not waiting too long for your next procedure

 

[donnellysdogs]

Glad you are home. Our hospital even for full mastectomy only at a max keep you for one night and give exact times to the person responsible forlooking after you to pick you up. It is literallylike a conveyor belt.

I know my diabetic consultant goes in at weekends to ensure that people are discharged promptly if they have carers in place at home...people in a Bournemouth hospital have been threatened with eviction notices.

The hospitals really are under pressure. Ie they have set treatment times givenfor ops for cancer etcso it really is not a surprise to me that you would be discharged and then brought back in...

Best place is home really...

 

[Ledzeptt]

Thanks everyone.