Can hospitals neglect patients because they are too old?!
Question: Can hospitals neglect patients because they are too old.?
My grandfather died nearly a year ago but before he died he was in a coma for nearly two days. The hospital didn't provide any treatment for him because he was 71 at the time. I know there's nothing to do now but I just feel really disappointed and angry about it. The health care system is the NHS incase anyone is wondering.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
It's doubtful they "didn't provide any care" for him. It's more likely that your family (or grandfather prior to his coma) signed a DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation) order, meaning the medical staff could not legally perform any "lifesaving" procedures. They (your family) may also have signed something saying not to put in a feeding tube, or IV's, and to provide "comfort measures" only. Before you go getting online & accusing the hospital of neglect, you may want to talk to your family & find out what the real story is!
And the answer to your quetions, no they can not neglect a patient due to age.Health Question & Answer
And the answer to your quetions, no they can not neglect a patient due to age.Health Question & Answer
Hospitals have to prioritize care and also to evaluate whether the patient could benefit from continued care. Age alone cannot be the deciding factor. Health Question & Answer