Citation

Dimond B. Accid. Emerg. Nurs. 1994; 2(1): 50-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7953826

Abstract

The following situation is not unusual in the Accident and Emergency (A & E) department: A young man is brought in by his girlfriend. She says that she came home unexpectedly and found him in a drowsy state, with an empty bottle of paracetamol and a farewell note left by the bedside. With the help of a neighbour she brought him to the department. The patient is not unconscious and resists any attempt to be given a stomach wash-out. Staff know that if this does not take place he is likely to suffer serious internal harm and his life could be in danger. He does not seem capable of listening to rational argument, but is shouting to be allowed to go. What is the legal position? As a sequel to this question, if he eventually does have a stomach wash-out and is able to leave the hospital but staff fear that he may repeat the suicide attempt, can he be compelled to stay?

Language: en