Hospital etiquette - phoning to see how someone is

[PercyPigSocks]

My elderly parent has been admitted to hospital and I live on the other side of the world. They were taken in by friends and there are no relatives close by. I’ve managed to talk briefly to my parent but they don’t really know what’s going on.

Is it appropriate for me to call the ward and ask for an update? I’ve never had this situation so I don’t know if that’s acceptable or not, and I understand staff will be busy.

I’m not intending to call right now but if there continues to be uncertainty I would like to know more since I can’t just go to visit.

I am next of kin and have power of attorney if that makes a difference.

Thank you for any guidance.

Of course it’s ok 😊You have poa and are next of kin, so they’re able to provide you with an update.

Yes but be prepared to be told something pretty meaningless about them having had a good night or what they ate for breakfast.

If your parent has capacity they are also likely to be uninterested that you have LPOA.

We got detailed updates on MIL when we called - we weren’t on the other side of the work but not close enough we could visit every day and they were v good at keeping us informed. Might depend on how serious things are though.

Yes, absolutely fine for you to call for an update especially as you are the next of kin and PoA. You can ask to speak with one of the medical team after they have done their rounds. At my local hospital the doctors often phone the NOK if they live far away or struggle to get in to the ward during office hours for medical updates. As said above, the nurses might not be able to tell you much over the phone.

Yes of course it is OK to phone its probably wise that you do for any up and coming arrangements and treatment so the hospital know who.you are.

definitely call - they may set up a password so that more info can be given. Your mum if she has capacity decides on a word , tells you it and then when you call and confirm the password they can give more detailed info over the phone.

unfortunately switchboard may not allow international calls (all bar one of the hospitals I’ve worked at didn’t allow it) so you might need to arrange a date and time to call if you wanted to speak to a doctor. Or if the reception is good enough someone can call from your mums phone.

Hope your DM is ok. Of course it’s ok to call. Generally leave till early afternoon as the consultants will be doing their rounds etc. Might be handy to have your paperwork scanned in to be sent to hospital administration - perhaps offer to send it so it’s on file.

Thanks so much everyone, really appreciate it.

@Whatevershallidowithmylife do you mean paperwork to prove who I am?

I just managed to have a quick chat with my parent again which is reassuring but they don’t know any details about what’s being done/how long they might be in etc. I don’t think they’re feeling well enough to ask either.

thank you again ❤️