NHS Scotland urge people to organise Power of Attorney
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has today urged people to effectively plan for their future following news of hospital discharge delays in the area.
Statistics discussed on BBC Radio Scotland this morning note that one-third of patients are being delayed from hospital discharge because they don’t have a Power of Attorney in place. This can have devastating knock-on effects for both the patients facing discharge and incoming patients requiring space in a ward.
How organising Power of Attorney can improve hospital discharge times
There are common misconceptions with regards to making welfare decisions for family members in Scotland. People often believe that if they lose capacity, the decision-making ability for their welfare is automatically passed to their spouse or next of kin. However, that is not the case.
By law in Scotland, if someone were to lose capacity and not have a Power of Attorney in place, that person’s family would have to apply to the Sheriff Court for a Guardianship or Intervention Order. This can be time-consuming, making it one of the leading reasons for the delayed hospital discharges in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
It is impossible to know if and when someone may need a Power of Attorney. However, having one in place can allow those that you trust to make welfare choices, like hospital discharge decisions, on your behalf if the time comes.
Professor Angela Wallace, Nurse Director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), spoke to the effect of this on patients awaiting discharge from hospital. She noted that for patients, a delayed discharge means more time spent in hospital and less time spent with loved ones in homely settings.
Professor Wallace continued
‘Within our healthcare system, people delayed in their discharge may not be in the best place for the point they are at in their care journey – which affects the pace and quality of care we are able to provide.’
The delay in hospital discharges also means a delay in care for incoming patients to the NHSGGC centres, with longer times spent waiting in ambulances and A&E. According to the statistics, there are currently over 100 people delayed within NHSGGC due to a lack of Power of Attorney. This is roughly equivalent to four acute inpatient wards, where incoming patients could be moved for specialist assessment and treatment.
Planning for the future in Scotland
Hazel Johnson, Head of Private Client at Watermans, echoes the importance of having a Power of Attorney in place, saying
‘Taking action ahead of time is essential to ensure you can return to your home or a more suitable place than a crowded hospital to complete your recovery if you suffer a serious accident or illness.’
‘Powers of Attorney will help save public funds and maybe even help save more lives, but on a more personal level, it can save you 1000s of pounds in court costs, as well as relieving the emotional cost to you and your family if you fail to plan ahead.’
‘A few moments taking specialist legal advice will perhaps reduce your time in hospital by days or even weeks, when being at home or in more familiar surroundings would be of greater benefit in your recovery. Anyone over the age of 16 can appoint an Attorney, so having this conversation with our children is just as important as thinking about it from our point of view.’
Organise your Power of Attorney today
With correct planning, you can avoid issues regarding your care and welfare if anything were to happen to you in the future. Watermans Power of Attorney solicitors are here to offer straightforward legal advice on your unique situation. Contact us using the form below to get started.