Leaving a minor at the hospital unattended?

Question

I’m 16 years old, and I want to go to the hospital (in Georgia, US) to get a surgery done (j pouch or rectal stump removal) but my mom can’t afford to stay with me and eat the hospital food. She can’t be there much because the hospital drive is 1 hour from home and back and my stepfather (who drives) works 4-5 days a week. Would it legally be allowed for me to stay at the hospital unattended for extended periods of time? What would the limit be? Thanks!

Answer 1

Mom should speak to the surgeon's office staff about that, because there are often accommodations for parents who can't afford to pay for a hotel. There may be a place like the Ronald McDonald house, or in some cases, they also have a list of volunteers who will host someone whose kid is undergoing treatment. You shouldn't have to go through that alone, and Mom shouldn't have to worry about you from far away. Tell her to speak to the Surgeon's office- they would be able to help.

Answer 2

A minority should never be left alone

Answer 3

You will not be unattended.

You will have the surgical staff, recovery room staff, and the post op nursing staff.



And not to say you are trolling or anything, but why tell us about your rectal abnormality?

Why would that make a difference to your question?

Answer 4

You are NOT unattended. You are under the supervision of hospital staff.

Answer 5

It is STANDARD procedure for inpatients of ALL ages to be left in the care of the hospital.

Someone actually staying with them at all times is the EXCEPTION, not even remotely the rule.

You ARE 'unattended' at home for FAR longer periods than you will EVER be in a hospital. Your parents aren't attending to you AT ALL during your stay.

If you are 16, you can be left 'unattended' for months, as long as adequate food and shelter are provided.

Answer 6

your parents are legally obliged to ensure you get necessary medical attention , claims of work or distance are not excuses

Answer 7

Hospitals aren't likely to allow 24 hour visitation in a situation like that. I mean in the least they'd make the parents leave so the patient can rest. Anyway though as has been said in a hospital you aren't considered unattended. At 16 though you should be allowed to be left alone for that long even if it was at home(I don't know the laws in Georgia, but reasonable people would think at 16 you can fend for yourself for a couple days).

Answer 8

Find out if there is Ronald McDonald House or something like it nearby.

Answer 9

Talk to the advice nurse. I wonder if your stay would be more than 3 days really. You should expect round the clock care from hospital staff, which your mother can't give you.

Answer 10

If you are in the hospital, you are not unattended. Your parent does not have to be their at all.

Answer 11

Perfectly legal. You are not unattended at any point, the hospital staff is there.

Answer 12

Ask the hospital, how would we know?

Answer 13

This isn't a problem. You're old enough to hang by yourself in the hospital.



Parents might be encouraged to stay with a kid for comforting purposes, but it is not a law.

Answer 14

Yes



No hospital requires a parent to be present at all times, even with small children.

Answer 15

You'll be fine.



It's a hospital, so your never really alone.

Answer 16

Being 16 you're considered a young adult, at least here in the UK you are. At 16 here, you are given the right to book and go to your own doctor's appointments, so I should imagine staying at the hospital would be the same. It might be different over there though.



As for the idea of a child being left unattended, I would say that if you give your express permission to stay alone, there's nothing much any one else can do. You have all the basic living needs where you are, so I don't see why it would be required for someone to stay with you when you're okay with being alone. Hope this helps some.

Answer 17

Your mom should talk to your surgeon who can either answer her questions or direct her to the person or department that can. As far as consent for further treatment, the nurses can always obtain consent from your mom over the phone if necessary.

Answer 18

Child, Once admitted you would be "alone" anyway. Many hospitals still have the "visiting hours" rule.

The Hospital Staff and auxiliaries would be caring for you far more than any parent or guardian could. You may not want to go home.

Parents are needed for only two things. To PAY the bills and Authorize the procedures.

The rest of the time they are in the way. You do not want a parent sitting there by your bed keeping you from watching the TV.

I have been through that, It is so relaxing when they leave. To be able to rest.