to leave the hospital?

[Candyss]

Been here with DS who had bronchiolitis for a week. doing really well now. on ward round this morning at around 9am they said happy for us to go home as he looks great. I said when can we leave and they said whenever you're ready get the nurse to let us know and we will sign paperwork and off you go.

I message brother to pick us up, for half 12/1 told the nurse who said she would let doctors know.

brother just messaged to say he would be 20 minutes, I asked nurse whether we were okay to go, she goes off and comes back saying no as discharge letter wont be done now until 3/4. can I just leave? the hospital I'm at is an hour and a half away from where I live and my brother is the only person who can pick me up today, he starts work at 4.

its either discharge letter or not able to get home. cannot afford a taxi for that kind of length of time and I really dont fancy taking baby son on the train with all our things (he is on home oxygen so vulnerable as it is).

would understand if we were waiting for doctors to decide if he could go or not but this is literally just a piece of paper!

Ask the doctor if you can take ds home without the letter, is it documented in his notes that he can go home, ask if they can send letter onto you and your g.p. do you need medication before he goes home. The discharge letter will detail why he was admitted and what treatment and follow up has been given. If you dont get anywhere speak to his consultant or kr PALS.

The discharge letter is usually sent on to your go so will be on the records if you need it (eventually can take a while to be processed). If you need after care instructions or meds then you'll need to wait, otherwise I would go.

My mum has been in & out of hospital a few times since October. We just leave now & have the discharge letter sent to our home.

You are fine to go. They can only do you if you think you are a danger, which given that they are going to discharge you is not the case.

Hopefully you are on your way home.

Ask them to post the letter. Are you waiting for medication too?

I would go back to the nurse and explain that you have arranged a lift home at 1pm and that the lift cannot wait more than 30ins as he has to get back for work. Given the circumstances with your son, you have no alternative transport, therefore will need to stay until the next time your lift can come - which will not be later today, might be Saturday... I'm sure they will find a way to speed the paperwork or enable you to leave without it as they will be relying on getting his bed!

You don't need to wait for the discharge letter. They are emailed to the GP

Go if you haven't already, you don't need to wait for a discharge letter.

Anything important to you they should tell you verbally or arrange a phone call for, but you can pick a copy up from GP if they can't post or email it to you.