Hi there ...

You push for it .. I can't believe how some Drs think they know better .. if he wants to go home, they should support you .. though it will be tough ... call Marie Currie... they specialise in terminal patients and their families .. go on their web site and ask them how you can do this .. they may still support and help you .. 

I hope someone has more info then me .. I'm really hoping you get him home .. Chrissie xx 

Thank you.  I'm nervous but have to do it tomorrow.  Every hour is precious for him.  

Just wish I lived near .. we'd get him out ... one way or another ... I'd cause a stink and you could whisk him away .. but seriously , I so hope you do this .. even if you sign a discharge form .. think we'd all be there with you .. you'd get lots of support here ...

Let us know how you go ...  Chrissie xx 

I will do.  Thank you.

Hi,

My Mam was in a similar situation - she went home from her hospice for a “weekend visit” but refused to go back.

if you’re determined to do it, and if your Dad agrees, get his GP onboard to arrange his pain relief prescription in the first place - the last thing he needs is unnecessary pain. The GP should be able to refer to whatever services are available locally - MacMillan, Marie Curie, Community Nurses etc. 

Unless your Dad is sectioned under the Mental Health Act, or similar legislation, he can voluntarily discharge himself whenever he chooses - it would be unlawful for anyone to prevent this. 

Good luck!

Dave

PS if he is in hospital he will normally be given enough TTO (to take out) drugs to keep him going until his GP had written a prescription and you’ve had chance to collect them.

The difficulty is that his GP isn't involved.  Basically he is in his 80s and has never been to the doctor or in hospital.  Suddenly a couple of weeks ago he became very ill and basically he has stomach cancer which is rapidly spreading.  

The medication, which he is currently refusing is worrying me.  He had a blood top up today so that should last.  

He has a very short time left and I know the pain needs to be managed.  

He is so unhappy in hospital and wants to get home to my mum who is obviously elderly.

I think I may have to take on the care which will need sorting with work.  I just need to know I can get painkillers for him.

Awkward - you really need to get his GP involved. They act as gatekeepers to other NHS services via referrals and you will need a prescription for access to any painkillers not available over the counter.

If he isn't registered with one, you should try to get him registered as an emergency. Even if you've been told he doesn't have long he could last far longer than expected.

There's some useful information at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.../

Sorry I can't be more help.

Dave

This is very helpful.   Thank you

Good luck today ..  so glad Dave popped on, he's amazing ... now you go and get dad home ... 

Bet he'd be really proud of his girl ...  Chrissie xx

Thank you.  I'm scared because I want to be able to bring everything together that he needs.  This has been very sudden and as a family we are very lucky that this is a very new situation for us.   I know for lots of people cancer one way or another is very present in their lives.   

I know the sensible thing is for him to stay where he is.  Medical care is guaranteed.  He was just so broken yesterday when he found out he wasn't going home and is really relying on me to get him home.  

Thank you for your encouragement and helpful information.