karen2205: Me with proper sized mug of coffee (Default)
Karen ([personal profile] karen2205) wrote2005-11-08 04:49 pm
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Next of kin

OK, I've been misinformed in the past - in turns out that you can declare whoever you want as your next of kin (see http://www.advicenow.org.uk/go/livingtogether/package_17.html). And they even produce a proforma card one can keep in a purse/wallet (see http://www.advicenow.org.uk/fileLibrary/pdf/Next_of_Kin002.pdf). I'm going to do something a bit different and modify the card that's already in my purse (which contains contact details for my next of kin) to say 'I only wish my next of kin to be contacted in the event that I am not competent to make decisions about my own care.' because what I really don't want is for anyone to be called if I'm competent but have a broken leg/arm/diagnosis of something horrible. In those circumstances I have a very strong preference for making the telephone calls myself.
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[identity profile] cultureofdoubt.livejournal.com 2005-11-08 05:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm almost surprised that it's possible to do that in those circumstances. It seems a breach of medical confidentiality to inform anyone of a condition without your consent unless there's some decision you are unable to make yourself or if you are actually unconscious or dead.
karen2205: Me with proper sized mug of coffee (Default)

[personal profile] karen2205 2005-11-08 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
It probably is - I just don't like the wording used on the card 'Please inform him/her if I have been in an accident or am admitted to hospital.' It's ambigious enough that someone might decide to take it as blanket permission to contact the named person without seeking explicit consent.

[identity profile] cultureofdoubt.livejournal.com 2005-11-08 05:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah yes, I see exactly what you mean.

Introductions

[identity profile] afro76.livejournal.com 2005-11-08 07:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Not sure that this is the best post for me to comment on, but I've been reading your public posts "on the sly" for a while and I thought I should probably declare myself. According to your userinfo, you don't mind people friending you, so I have done so. Feel free to reciprocate. I am not a particularly frequent poster/commenter, but I am an avid reader of my flist. Oh, fyi, I came across your journal as we have a couple of mutual friends ([livejournal.com profile] shreena and [livejournal.com profile] thefairmelissa, to be precise).
karen2205: Me with proper sized mug of coffee (Default)

Re: Introductions

[personal profile] karen2205 2005-11-09 10:29 am (UTC)(link)
Nothing sly about it at all - public is public. Have added you back so you can see the not public stuff :-)
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