Surgery - no next of kin?

Ames

Hi all, I think this is the right board for this but I'm not sure.

I'm having surgery in a month or so and I don't have anyone I can trust to put down as next of kin. (This is based on the behaviour of my family when I was in hospital as an emergency a couple of weeks ago).

I just wondered if it's possible to go into hospital and not put down a NOK?

TIA.

925dancer

I put my best friend on everything as I'm estranged from my family. I shouldn't think it would be a problem not to put one down if you've signed the consent forms, not sure what happens in the teeny tiny unlikely event a decision needed to be made and you were unable to for yourself. On the same tack, who would want informed should the worst happen?

Sorry to be morbid but those would be the things I'd think about in your situation. It's your opportunity to decide who you trust to make important decisions on your behalf and I'm not sure if putting no-one down would in the end lead to your family being contacted somehow.

Not much help at all me! Hopefully someone else knows about these situations.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Then don't put one down, there's no legal definition in the UK anyway. Sort out a lasting powers of attorney when you have time to avoid the problem in the future.

Errata

Possibly not a very common situation but PALS may have info/guidance.

cattermole

It is a slight misnomer that relatives make decisions in these circumstances.

The final decision rests with the Doctors, yes they would consult with next of kin and recommend a course of action.

It is more about having a relative to contact and possibly if someone is needed to sign a further consent form.

I would plump for someone who you know would advocate on your behalf if needed and this can be a friend rather than a relative. There is no legal definition of a next of kin in UK law in regard to medical treatment as Richie says.

GlasweJen

I have a registered living will, it's very comprehensive and outlines my medical wishes in pretty much any situation i and my lawyer could think of.

Mojisola

Ames wrote: »

I'm having surgery in a month or so and I don't have anyone I can trust to put down as next of kin. (This is based on the behaviour of my family when I was in hospital as an emergency a couple of weeks ago).

To prevent the family turning up and being accepted as your NOK, could you chose a friend so that there's someone on the paperwork.

If you have got someone you're happy to name, you could also carry one of these cards - https://www.advicenow.org.uk/living-together/next-of-kin/ - to make sure that person is notified in case of an emergency.

kurgon

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

Then don't put one down, there's no legal definition in the UK anyway. Sort out a lasting powers of attorney when you have time to avoid the problem in the future.

This is not entirely true. While there is no defined answer, both the mental health act and the capacity act have clear definitions of next of kin, either as defined by the individual or the oldest direct relative e.g. mum or dad/whoever is the elder.
However I do agree with the PoA.

Errata

If the patient is unable to make a decision about treatment and there is no NOK doctors will make the decision.

pineapple123

I would put someone down as NOK, if the hospital need to contact someone and their is no NOK they may contact your family from previous records held.

Ames

Thanks everyone.

I don't have a close enough friend to put them down, it's a lot to ask after all.

The problem with putting family down is that a few weeks ago when it looked like I was going to need emergency surgery they became uncontactable. I got a text from my dad two days later saying 'sorry forgot to charge my phone'.

I've got my appointment for the pre op assessment so I'll speak to them then. Maybe I can put family down as 'if the worst happens' but not for anything else.

I'll look into getting a living will made when I've got time. And I need to get a probate will done too, but I can't afford one right now. Hopefully if I do a DIY one it'll stand, as something's better than nothing. Although the chances of it being needed are tiny.