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Hospital visiting special circumstances

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Sweetie222 Sat 04-Apr-20 23:45:33

I’ve already posted this in chat, didn’t realise there was a dedicated thread, I would appreciate thoughts.

Would you visit someone you love in hospital now if it was allowed owing to special circumstances? I’m 67, in good health, have children and grandchildren I love but don’t see because I’m totally self isolating. I live alone so there would be no one to look after me if I was ill.

My younger brother is very seriously ill, diagnosed terminal. I love him to bits but he can be difficult, though very lovable. I didn’t really see much of him over the years, I’d take him for lunch a couple of times a year but otherwise he did his own thing.

Don’t know whether visiting will help him at all. Don’t know whether it is worth the risk to my health and potentially others.

Since he was diagnosed I’ve been looking after him as best I can, taking him to literally dozens of difficult appointments and visiting all hospital stays.

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Hithere Sun 05-Apr-20 02:22:36

No, it's not worth the tisk.8

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Hithere Sun 05-Apr-20 02:22:52

My bad! Worth the risk

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mumofmadboys Sun 05-Apr-20 08:00:01

Will you be allowed to visit?

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GrannyLaine Sun 05-Apr-20 08:09:33

The government have allowed for special arrangements for those who are terminally ill Sweetie so I think it would depend on what his life expectancy is and the advice of the ward manager. If you feel you could visit without putting yourself at unacceptable risk then I would consider it. So sorry that you are facing this dilemma flowers

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GrannyLaine Sun 05-Apr-20 08:14:54

This is what I was referring to Sweetie

Terminally ill people with less than six months to live do not have to self-isolate if they don't want to, the NHS has said

They have been told to spend their final days and weeks with their loved ones instead of locking themselves away

In new guidance from the NHS, it states: "We also suggest that anybody with a terminal diagnosis who is thought to be in their last 6 months of life should be excluded from this group (unless they wish to be included), to allow them to maintain contact with their loved ones during the last phase of their illness

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sodapop Sun 05-Apr-20 08:28:47

Sadly if he is in hospital its doubtful you will be allowed to visit Sweetie222 I'm sorry to hear your brother is so ill thanks

The 13 year old boy who died recently was not allowed visitors that must have been heart breaking for him and his family. thanks

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Daisymae Sun 05-Apr-20 09:18:44

Could you not have a video call with him? I know many people are in these very distressing circumstances? Might be worth looking at. I don't think that I would risk a visit, but unless you have been in that situation it's difficult to say.

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Sweetie222 Sun 05-Apr-20 10:31:36

Thank you all for your kind suggestions. I had decided not to risk it.

I phoned the hospital and they took a phone to his bed for us.
He can’t really talk and we didn’t know how much he could understand so I just told him I’m glad he’s in his favourite hospital, gave him updates on silly things in the news, played him a rather rude stay at home song.

The nurse came on and said he was smiling as I talked, he obviously knew who I was and what I was saying.

Although he’s currently nil by mouth the nurse made a note that when he has a hot drink, he likes 3 sugars.

I feel so very glad that we could be in touch in this way, possibly better than going to the ward.

Thank you all again for helping me with the decision.

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