Power of attorney during temporary illness

[Robert_18011]

A simple question but a difficult situation.

I have full power of attorney for my mums health and finances.

She is currently suffering from confusion due to a water infection but her doctors are refusing to talk to me as I have not filled out the relevant form. The form requires signatures from me, mum and witnesses and I live 100 miles away and don't drive so have been unable to fill the form in.

I've had to call 111 and adult social services to get her doctors to treat her as they simply said ''she needs to call us, not you'' and she was unwilling to call due to her confusion.

Anyway, now they have hung up on me and won't answer my calls any more (I should add that at no time have I been rude or loud but I have been frustrated).

Does my power of attorney cover me for situations like this? Can I step in?

Yes, get the form filled, I get it, but that will not be possible for about 4 weeks and the doctors know this.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[bowlingbun]

What form are they talking about?
Do you have the old Lasting Power of Attorney, or one of the newer ones, which can be either for finances, or health and welfare, or both?

[Robert_18011]

The form is called ''Consent to disclose confidential medical information''.

I got 2 POA's this year for mum, both health and finance.

[bowlingbun]

You don't need to fill that in, you've got it already! Sounds like the hospital need some urgent training in what a POA means?! I think POA's come under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Guardian, so have a look at their website about what a "Health and Welfare POA" means, print it off, and send it to the Chief Executive's Office? Or try ringing the CEO's office and ask them if they know what a POA means?!