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.

Hi there ...

Just wondering how it went .. sending you all a vertual hug  xx

Hi

I've just delivered him home.  It's taken since 9.00 am this morning.  Doctors eventually agreed to discharge but he had to agree to not call 999 if there was a problem.  That was fine for him as he has no intention of returning to hospital.  We have medication but I've still got to get a discharge letter as apparently there was a paragraph missing.   We have a family rota set up for the short term so have to get some other help on board.   

I didn't know it could be so hard to leave hospital.  He is home.  We know it will possibly be just a week at most but it's where he wants to be.   Thankyou for your encouragement.  I needed someone to tell me to go for it!   I hope you are okay.   Xxx

Woo hoo ... well done and high 5 to ya .. it sounded harder then braking out of prison .. but I'm not sure they can stop you calling 999 .. I'd deff get advice on that .. hopefully that's one [@davek]‍   can answer ... 

But good on ya .. I hope your dad gets a week or however long of loving memories with his amazing family ...  vertual hugs all round ...  Chrissie xx 

Woo hoo ... well done and high 5 to ya .. it sounded harder then braking out of prison .. but I'm not sure they can stop you calling 999 .. I'd deff get advice on that .. hopefully that's one [@davek]‍   can answer ... 

But good on ya .. I hope your dad gets a week or however long of loving memories with his amazing family ...  vertual hugs all round ...  Chrissie xx