Would this be inappropriate?

[MissCMalfoy]

Posting here for traffic as I need opinions quickly.

I'm an NHS domestic working on a care of the elderly ward. There's been a patient in for a few weeks who I've gotten to know through chatting to her while I work. She's a really nice woman and through our chats I've learned she lives in the same area as me, has no living family in the country as her only son has emigrated and she's mentioned that all of her friends have passed away. I've really enjoyed chatting to her and she always tells me what a lovely woman I am and that she enjoys our chats. She's going home today and has said that she will miss talking to me which made me sad!

Would it be inappropriate for me to give her my phone number and tell her she can phone if she ever wants to chat or to go for a cup of tea when things open up? She has full capacity, no dementia etc. I've had a look at my trusts policies and can't see any guidance on this. So just wondered what you all thought? I just hate to think of her going home and having not a soul for company!

Thanks in advance for any replies!

@WishingHopingThinkingPraying I don't think
I'd even feel comfortable adding her on Facebook but I doubt she has it anyway. I will have to just leave it but it's a real shame!

Tell her you’re not supposed to give out your private details Op but she knows your full name so she’s able to track you down if she wants to! If she tracks you down that’s not your fault at all, also it will make her feel so lovely inside that you feel the same way about her. 💗

As an NHS worker you should be friendly and empathic , but there should be very clear boundaries between you and any patient .

This. I work for the NHS too and professional boundaries are so important. As lovely a gesture as it is on your part, I would definitely speak to someone senior about this before doing it.

This would surely be a breach of boundaries, despite it being a nice gesture.

It sounds like you've got too close to the patient to be honest. You need to keep professional.

Perhaps you could drop by before she leaves the hospital, tell her you really enjoyed chatting with her and will miss your talks. Tell her that as you live in the same neighbourhood you hope you might come across her in a park or a supermarket. Then see what she says. If she would like to keep in touch with you, she might say so, or she might offer you her number, or tell you which supermarket or park she goes to. Or she might not, in which case - leave it.