Page 2 | Can they actually stop me

Rosebel · 2020-06-21T09:56:23+00:00

I've been in hospital with pregnancy problems since last Sunday. Had the baby on Wednesday and every day they say I can go home tomorrow but still can't. They are waiting for a Covid result which might be tomorrow but probably not. This is for the baby not me. The doctor said they can't let me go but I'm sick of being in hospital. Every day is a reason why I can't go home. Can they actually stop me leaving with my baby?

CrowdedHouseinQuarantine · 21/06/2020 11:45

You should work with the professionals not against.
We only know what you are telling us op.

Sharpandshineyteeth · 21/06/2020 11:46

They can’t stop you and I would absolutely do the same thing in your circumstances. In fact I would have done it a few days ago.

You will have to sign a form saying you are leaving against medical advice. But I’m not even sure what the medical advice is in this situation.

Ponoka7 · 21/06/2020 11:48

Ask for a clinical reason why they want you to stay in, just testing positive for Covid isn't enough.

If there isn't a sound clinical reason and you haven't been seen by a SW on welfare concerns, then leave.

The way we are giving up our civil liberties is frightening. Our MH suffers in hospital, it can interfere with bonding, confidence etc. This is outrageous.

diddl · 21/06/2020 11:48

Why did they stop you? (Obvs you don't have to answer!)

But as an adult you can discharge yourself anyway can't you & if baby is fine then it should all be OK to go.

Original poster

Rosebel · 21/06/2020 11:49

My husband has spoken to the community midwife who is shocked they won't let me leave (with the baby). My husband is coming in later and think we'll have to ask or demand to see the consultant. Thing is if he is ill we'd isolate at home which we're going to do anyway so test result means nothing

OP posts:

GinDrinker00 · 21/06/2020 11:49

They’ll more than likely put in a referral to social services as your taking the baby against their advice. It’s down to you wether you want to take that chance.
Personally though I’d of been gone the day you got the all clear. More chances of picking it up the longer you’re there.

Ponoka7 · 21/06/2020 11:50

OP, are your other children being allowed to visit? Your DH? You both need to be asking questions.

PicsInRed · 21/06/2020 11:50

The baby is more likely to contract covid whilst living in a hospital waiting for a test...for covid 🤔 than at home with you. Totally nonsensical to stay if the baby is otherwise well and has no symptoms.

LadyOfTheImprovisedBath · 21/06/2020 11:51

We were only in over night - no worries in pg or birth - but they kept us waiting hours on paper work just kept saying we needed to wait.

We left in the end she'd already got tags off - no one stopped us. We don't drive and had a friend waiting in car park with car seat fitted to get us home and didn't want to inconvenience them any longer.

No one ever mentioned it to us.

I'd try kicking up a fuss first - in case they do have concerns - and try and get midwife to advocate for you.

But I don't think they can stop you without a court order though they may try.

FelicityPike · 21/06/2020 11:51

@VeggieSausageRoll

There must be more to it than this. Why are they keeping you both in? They can't get people home quick enough at the moment

Exactly.

Ponoka7 · 21/06/2020 11:52

Demand a clinical reason when your DH comes in. If there isn't one, leave together with the baby.

The test means nothing, your DH could infect you both today. Bronchiolitis is more dangerous and usually dismissed.

Original poster

Rosebel · 21/06/2020 11:53

At first he had jaundice and wasn't feeding well as he was born at 38 weeks but this is all resolved now and doctors are happy with his progress. They are saying it's just the test results as they can't readmit him bu he can go to the Children's hospital

OP posts:

Ponoka7 · 21/06/2020 11:54

FelicityPike, the OP has, other children. If a SW hasn't done a home check then there is no justifiable reason to keep the OP in. They're out of timescales for CP.

LadyOfTheImprovisedBath · 21/06/2020 11:54

Well then they need to tell the parents and the community MW what the more to it is so they understand.

AwwDontGo · 21/06/2020 11:54

“A 13 day old baby died of corona virus last week“

That’s not true unless there has been another press release that I have missed. The baby tested positive but the cause of death wasn’t yet known. The press release was carefully worded but some newspapers ignored the wording and went for a more more newsworthy ‘story’

SionnachGlic · 21/06/2020 11:55

Def ask for a full explanation as to why they want to keep you in another night. Ask exactly what test results they are waiting for & if positive what will they do for you there that you can't do at home? If there are no medical concerns they it sounds a bit odd/unreasonable. That sais, I wouldn't go at this all guns blazing, just ask for a meeting so you can understand & ask is there anything to prevent you leaving...

SionnachGlic · 21/06/2020 11:55

...with your baby, of course...

LadyOfTheImprovisedBath · 21/06/2020 11:56

@Rosebel

At first he had jaundice and wasn't feeding well as he was born at 38 weeks but this is all resolved now and doctors are happy with his progress. They are saying it's just the test results as they can't readmit him bu he can go to the Children's hospital

I'd talk to again to the community MW - see what she thinks is reasonable way to proceed is.

SeasonFinale · 21/06/2020 11:56

Good luck with getting a consultant for a non urgent matter on a Sunday.

As dreadful as it may seem they are doing their best for your baby. work with them

PigletJohn · 21/06/2020 11:57

Maybe their internal procedures require some firms to be filled out, and they've lost the pen. Or the admissions officer has gone home.

It is normal for organisations to treat their time and processes as important, and the public as not.

If they have not told you a medical reason why you should stay, then you are not leaving against medical advice.

QuestionableMouse · 21/06/2020 11:57

I'd also get in touch with PALS who should be able to help.

diddl · 21/06/2020 11:59

@Rosebel

At first he had jaundice and wasn't feeding well as he was born at 38 weeks but this is all resolved now and doctors are happy with his progress. They are saying it's just the test results as they can't readmit him bu he can go to the Children's hospital

Would he def need admitting if he has it then?

If not then as you say, why the need to wait for the test?

CodenameVillanelle · 21/06/2020 12:01

@CrowdedHouseinQuarantine

i dont believe you have the right to take your child against medical advice.

Of course you do. Nobody can force medical treatment on a baby against the mother's wishes without a court order, nor can they prevent the mother from taking the baby home.

HowLongCanICallitBabyWeight · 21/06/2020 12:02

I was in for a week with DS he had jaundice, phototherapy and struggled to latch (tongue tie) in the end we were discharged at 1am one night when the senior midwife came on shift around 7 and said 'are you still here'. I had the same kept telling me everything was great just needed paperwork signed off, she said to me if I push the paediatrician I can get you signed off and it's up to you if you go home tonight or tomorrow morning. I was on a ward not in a private room and there was a loud snorer and a woman who was clearly struggling who would cry all night and leave her newborn to cry, they were very good with her but it was a lot of to and fro, noise etc, disturbing me and DS. I just wanted to go home and DH missed us both terribly. This was in non Covid times, if you can find a friendly but persistent midwife to have onside it'll help

SunshineCake · 21/06/2020 12:03

Presumably they aren't wanting to keep the baby in for their benefit so a grown up calm conversation should be had rather than you implying they are bullying you by not letting you leave.