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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to wonder why the hospital asked who I live with?

27 replies

Flowerpower70 · 25/04/2026 22:27

A few months ago I was hospitalised for severe anaemia. I've received treatment and no longer anaemic. Severe flooding periods are the cause and diet which I am working on and getting hysterectomy hopefully.
I had to go for appointment at hospital re an abscess whilst there a doctor asked who I live with even though I wasn't having an op?
I'm 48 with no health issues apart from the anaemia which is now ok. No MH issues or DV issues, so why would they ask this.
Is it because I'm over a certain age ( my friend of 37 wasn't asked if she lived alone?)or classed as vulnerable or something because of the anaemia or is this usual practice?
I thought only elderly people with mobility issues would be asked who they live with.

OP posts:
TheyGrewUp · 26/04/2026 06:23

WydeStrype · 25/04/2026 23:20

Social History can include- where you live, who you live with (are they well or experiencing similar symptoms to you), whether you feel safe at home, whether you have dependents and how caring impacts you, how you carry out or manage every day tasks (washing/dressing/shopping), where and how you sleep, whether you smoke, drink alcohol, what job you do and how you manage it etc etc, whether you exercise and how often, whether you have pets (especially relevant re birds, bedding and dander etc for allergies and respiratory conditions.

It's part of gaining a fuller picture to better help you

When they have the fuller picture, why then speak to the patient as though they are a brainless twerp? Is it part of the philosophy of the NHS that everyone is treated the same? It goes wrong when everyone is spoken to badly.

PollyBell · 26/04/2026 06:26

ffsisthisreal · 25/04/2026 23:27

I’m asked all the time, as a young healthy person. It’s because they need to make sure someone is with you in case anything happens

Yes i had the same recently i just assumed it was a standard question for everyone

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