"Refusal policy"

My sibling had a serious stroke and was incapacitated. Hospitalized at the LRH and uncertain of their prognosis, my sibling wished to appoint Powers of Attorney (POA) and Medical Treatment Decision Makers MTDM).

The MTDM must be witnessed by a legally authorized witness and as I understand it, at LRH both a doctor and/or a pharmacist are legally authorized. Unfortunately, I believe the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has instructed staff they may not witness documents. As we cannot move our sibling, they are denied their right to have a MTDM. It is my belief that there are likely many other LRH patients in this position which is alarming. I spoke with the CEO who I felt was very arrogant and they advised they make no apologies....

I have lodged a formal complaint at LRH and subsequently advised by their Chief Acting Nurse who advised that LRH recommends both the Power of Attorney (POA) and Medical Treatment Decision Maker (MTDM) be signed prior to admission to hospital.

It seems to me all very good advice for planned visits and elective surgery but many patients, including my sibling, did not plan their visit. In my opinion, this make LRH's response irrelevant and not addressing the problem.