Taking Control: Discharging Yourself From The Hospital

In general, a hospital will discharge a patient when they no longer need inpatient care and can go home or be sent to another facility. However, patients also have the right to self-discharge from the hospital, although this is not recommended as it may put the patient at risk. Before self-discharging, patients may be required to sign a declaration form stating that they understand the risks and take full responsibility for their decision. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by healthcare providers during the discharge process to minimize the risk of readmission.

Patients can legally discharge themselves from hospital

If you wish to self-discharge, you may be asked to sign a discharge AMA (against medical advice) form or a self-discharge form before you leave. This letter states that you are aware that self-discharging goes against medical advice. Self-discharge forms vary across NHS trusts. If you are in Scotland, the hospital or trust will assess your mental capacity in line with the Adults with Incapacity Act 2000. In England, this will be done in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

If you are thinking about self-discharging, it is recommended that you speak with your named nurse or doctor before making the decision to leave. This ensures you receive any necessary treatment and enables staff to arrange follow-up care. Hospital staff will assess you before agreeing to a self-discharge, and if they have concerns, they must arrange a further assessment.

If you are self-discharging, it is important to understand your injury or illness and the next steps to take. This may include taking medicine and changing bandages. Make sure you know who to contact if you have a question or a problem. After you leave the hospital, make sure to take care of yourself as instructed. This will help ensure you don't need to go back into the hospital.

Hospitals will assess patients' mental capacity to self-discharge

Patients have the right to self-discharge from hospital. However, hospitals will assess a patient's mental capacity to self-discharge before allowing them to leave. This is to ensure that the patient understands the risks and potential consequences of leaving the hospital before being assessed as fit for discharge. If a patient is assessed as lacking the capacity to make a decision, the hospital can refuse discharge if it is in the patient's best interest.

The hospital will consider the patient's ability to make an informed decision about their discharge. This includes understanding the information provided about the risks and consequences of leaving the hospital and being able to weigh up their choices. If a patient is confused or has underlying conditions that may impact their decision-making, the hospital will assess their mental capacity before allowing self-discharge.

The assessment process may include gathering information about the patient's admission, medical history, and any relevant records. The hospital staff will also discuss the patient's decision with them and document the discussion. This documentation is essential to ensure that the patient understands the risks and consequences of self-discharge and that they are making an informed decision.

In some cases, the hospital may require the patient to sign a discharge against medical advice (AMA) form or a self-discharge form. This form states that the patient is aware that self-discharge is contrary to medical advice and that they understand the potential risks and consequences. The patient's signature on this form serves as an acknowledgment of their decision and the associated risks.

It is important to note that while patients have the right to self-discharge, hospitals recommend speaking with a named nurse or doctor before making the decision to leave. This ensures that the patient receives any necessary treatment and enables staff to arrange follow-up care if needed.

Hospitals will advise against self-discharge and recommend speaking to a doctor

While patients do have the right to self-discharge from the hospital, hospitals will advise against it. This is because there are a number of factors to consider before a patient is given the go-ahead to leave. The hospital will discharge you when you no longer need inpatient care and can go home, or when you need to be transferred to another facility. The latter is known as a complex discharge.

Before making a decision, the hospital will consider whether the patient has the mental capacity to self-discharge and if doing so could potentially put the patient at risk. If a patient is assessed as lacking the capacity to make a decision, they can be refused discharge if staff can demonstrate that they are acting in the patient's best interest. It is not uncommon for patients to become acutely confused or have underlying conditions affecting their capacity. In such cases, the hospital must demonstrate an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of the patient's mind or brain, and that this impairment is preventing decision-making over leaving the hospital.

Hospitals recommend speaking with your named nurse or doctor before making the decision to leave. This ensures you receive any necessary treatment and enables staff to arrange follow-up care. For instance, you may need to arrange for a repeat prescription from your GP, or to get set up with any new medical devices. You should also be aware of the next steps in your treatment, which may include taking medicine or changing bandages. If you are discharged, you will need to arrange for a relative or friend to collect you, or let the staff know if other transport arrangements need to be made.

If you wish to self-discharge against the advice of the doctor or nurse, you may be asked to sign a discharge AMA (against medical advice) form or self-discharge form before you leave. This letter states that you are aware that self-discharging goes against medical advice.

Hospitals will provide a self-discharge form to sign

Patients have the right to self-discharge from the hospital. However, there are several factors to consider before leaving the hospital premises. Firstly, it is essential to understand that the hospital will only discharge a patient when they no longer need inpatient care. Secondly, the hospital may discharge a patient to transfer them to another facility for specialised care. In some cases, patients may decide to self-discharge against medical advice or before being assessed as fit for discharge. In such cases, hospitals are mandated to assess the patient's mental capacity and determine whether they have the ability to make an informed decision about their discharge. This assessment is conducted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and the Adults with Incapacity Act 2000 in Scotland.

If a patient is assessed as having the mental capacity to self-discharge, the hospital will provide them with a self-discharge form to sign. This form serves as a declaration that the patient understands the risks and potential consequences of leaving the hospital against medical advice. The specific content and naming of self-discharge forms can vary across different NHS trusts. However, it is important to note that patients have the right to make the decision to leave the hospital, even if healthcare professionals disagree with their choice.

During the self-discharge process, hospital staff will discuss the potential risks and consequences of leaving the hospital prematurely. They will also offer advice and ensure that patients are aware of the possible consequences of their actions. It is important for patients to carefully consider this information and ask any questions they may have before signing the self-discharge form. Seeking advice from a Named Nurse or Doctor before making the decision to self-discharge is highly recommended, as it ensures that patients receive necessary treatment and enables staff to arrange any required follow-up care.

In some cases, patients may insist on self-discharging without signing any documentation. While hospital staff cannot physically restrain a patient from leaving, it is important to understand that self-discharging without medical clearance carries significant risks. Patients who choose to leave the hospital before completing their treatment or receiving necessary care may put their health at risk and could potentially require readmission or face adverse health consequences. Therefore, it is always advisable to undergo a proper discharge assessment and follow the recommended treatment plan to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.

Patients should understand their injury/illness and next steps post-discharge

Understanding your injury, illness, and the next steps for treatment is crucial when preparing to leave the hospital. This knowledge will help you transition smoothly and reduce the risk of readmission. Here are some key considerations:

Understanding Your Condition

It is important to have a clear understanding of your diagnosis and the reasons for your hospitalisation. Ask your healthcare provider to explain your condition and any test results or pending diagnoses. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and recognise any potential issues.

Medication and Treatment Plans

Ensure you know about any medications you need to take, including how and when to take them, and the duration of the course. Understand the purpose of each medication and any potential side effects. Ask about medication changes and how they might affect you. If you are prescribed new medications, ensure you know how to obtain them, and ask your pharmacist for guidance if needed.

Self-Care and Recovery

Learn about any self-care methods or treatments you need to perform at home, such as wound care or using medical devices. Understand your physical limitations and any activities you should avoid. Ask about any specific dietary, mobility, or lifestyle changes you may need to make to support your recovery.

Follow-Up Care and Support

Know the details of your follow-up care, including any appointments, tests, or treatments. Understand the purpose of these follow-ups and how they contribute to your recovery. Ask about the healthcare providers who will be involved in your ongoing care and how to contact them if you have questions or concerns. Ensure your caregivers or family members are also informed and involved, if appropriate.

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning is a collaborative process involving your healthcare team. It aims to ensure a smooth transition from hospital care to recovery at home or in another facility. This includes assessing your home situation, support system, and financial ability to obtain follow-up care. Effective discharge planning improves your quality of life and reduces the risk of unplanned readmissions.

Remember, you have the right to be fully involved in the discharge process and to have your questions answered. Don't hesitate to ask for language assistance or to have a family member or friend present during discussions about your discharge.

Frequently asked questions