Power of Attorney joint and several

[Blue123]

My mum is in hospital with dementia, both a sister and brother have LPOA for her health and wellbeing, my sister has been dealing with the ward however the rest of us have not been told about what is going on and plans for her. We are not sure what the ward has been told either and if they know about my brother having POA also. Can my brother ask for details himself ( or will they only deal with one POA and expect information is being relayed) and instruct the ward to speak with me when i visit as I am closer, ive tried speaking to them and they tell me they are not allowed. Ive tried to contact the liaison department but they have not returned my call yet and i want to ensure my mum is protected. I dont like to pester the ward for updates as i know they are busy and i go daily anyway

[dslippy]

The hospital has a duty not to talk to people without apparent authority; so sadly that is you. If a decision needs to be made, they should consult and get one answer from both attornies. Otherwise it seems sensible to talk to one attorney assuning it will be passed on.

[ULA]

Does your sister and brother have powers to act ‘jointly and severally’ meaning that they can make decisions together or act by themselves if they need to i.e. in the event one of them is not around when decisions need to be made, such as being on holiday. If that is the case then as an attorney on the LPA your brother can ask the hospital what is happening to your Mum.

Yes he can ask for hospital staff to update you, whether they will or not may be a different matter as hospitals have strict protocols around giving out sensitive personal information on a patient. In any event any decision making about your mother's treatment can only be made by your sister and/or brother.