What happens if I just walk out of hospital?

[takeonabrew]

I have a procedure I have been waiting for months to have.

The pre assessment nurse was insisting that I must have someone to collect me (because of the sedation). They need to collect me from discharge lounge and sign me out.

What happens if I just walk out (to my taxi)

I don't have a support network yet. Moved here not too long ago. Various reasons. Anyway, my H cannot drive to get me at that time as he can't drive right now. His epilepsy has come back

Obviously I won't drive myself. But what happens if I just walk out and get into the taxi? Will they call the police or report me for safeguarding concerns?

Taxi will be ££££ so no my H cannot come and collect me inside. He will need to be home for our disabled DC who cannot be taken out without my car etc

I just don't know what else to do. I am desperate to have this done

I have had this type of sedation before (NOT GA), for something else. I felt a bit sluggish and woozy for a while but that was it so I feel confident to just get a taxi, who will drive me to my door where my H will greet me and stay with me for the 24 hours they've asked

I've done that after general anaesthetic. Just called taxi and told nurses I was going out to get it now and x would take care of me at home. That was after they'd told me I was ready for discharge. No forms, no drama, no aggression - they were lovely and professional people, and just checked I was okay with the situation, and off I went.

Didn't bring it up in advance. I'd imagine that if I'd seemed confused or unwell they'd have been more concerned, but nobody's going to keep you at a hospital once you're fit to go.

Absolutely nothing will happen.

Twice in the last 5 years I have made my way home immediately after an operation in a taxi.

1st was eye surgery with sedation. After the surgery they kept me long enough to have a coffee and biscuit and sober up a little then I made my way outside to the taxi rank and went one.

2nd was having a screw put into my hand for a displaced fracture. I stayed awake for the surgery but had a nerve block so my arm from shoulder down was complete dead weight. I stayed long enough to get changed out of my hospital gown back in to my own clothes and have a huge foam sling fitted then again made my way to a taxi rank.

They can't hold you hostage, you are a capable adult making your own decision, they can recommend and advise.

I work for the nhs, they will be fine with you getting a taxi, that counts as 'someone taking you home.'

They can't stop you.

I've made my own way home in a taxi after sedation following a colonoscopy.