Can a social worker overrule the advice given by a hospital consultant?

[Q-Jane]

When my elderly mother was discharged from hospital I was told by the hospital consultant that she would need long term residential care. Social Services are now trying to send her home from the care home she is in. Has anyone else had this problem?

[brighton88]

in a word NO!

I fail to see how this can be justified and carry any weight as you describe.

A social worker in carrying out an assessment collects all relevant reports from anyone else involved in the case, net working in the process. and along with their own observations writes a report. Everything written must be referenced, so if a decision is made reference must be made as to how and why the decision was made.Social workers MUST visit the person on at least one occasion within the setting they live while compiling the assessment,

(best practice).

The person is to be involved in all assessments unless at risk if disclosed.

Exceptions of course can apply if dealing with anyone at risk.

I would suggest you ask how a decision was made that was contradictory to professional reports from those who were providing direct care.

When I was discharged from hospital in October 2007, a letter arrived from a social worker I had never met; a report had been made on my abilities. I called the team manager advising them they were working within dangerous practice leaving themselves open to be removed from the register by putting me at risk.

I then explained I was inviting the local press in to see for themselves how disabled I was, and intended giving the press a copy of the social workers report. Within 2 hours I was reassessed (without having been seen) and visited by a physiotherapist occupational therapist district nurse, and a daily home help without cost to me.

Is your mother at risk if she goes home? That is what any assessment will hing on along with what support will be needed for her to live at home instead of in residential care.

You and your mothers wishes must be included in the assessment.

[Q-Jane in reply to brighton88]

Many thanks for telling me of your experience - I found it really helpful to hear what has happened to you. I have also phoned the Headway helpline and they are going to send me some booklets about brain injury to take to the meeting with the social workers next week. I know my mother would like to go home, and I am willing to support her in any way that I can, but I know there will be a risk if she goes home and does not receive the right support. Thanks again - Q-Jane

[brighton88]

good for you, and please plan for the meeting

Will you be alone if so try and take someone with you

Who is going to be at the meeting, you do not want to sit there alone facing a panel

Write yourself notes and take along COPIES of any relevant paperwork so you can refer to them.

1. what do I want to get from this meeting?

2 how am I going to get there?

3 what if's?

Ask answers to your questions to be referenced, ie why and of course if you are not satisfied with the outcome you would like their response in writing within a specific time frame so that you can appeal against the decision formally.

ps MP's can be a very useful tool

GOOD LUCK

[Q-Jane in reply to brighton88]

Thanks for your advice - I had not thought of asking for my questions to be referenced. I will do this. My husband is coming with me to the meeting, and we have also asked friends and neighbours for their views and found that they share our concerns too. I have also contacted two reputable local care agencies for information, as we will need them if Mum stays at home after the six week trial period is over. I will get chance to prepare everything over the Easter break r eady for the meeting. I will need all the luck I can get ..........! Q-J

[ncmurphy1951]

NO NO NO they as mine tries to know it all but ignore complain to soc erv and your gp even mp

[Q-Jane in reply to ncmurphy1951]

Many thanks for this info - Q-J