"Power of Attorney - whh bother when it is ignored."

Having taken steps early in her old age, to ensure a Power of Attorney, Health and Welfare, registered and approved by the court of protection, was in place for my elderly mother, in my experience when it was required it was totally ignored. The Power of Attorney was registered and a copy, along with a copy of the passport of the Attorney holder, were lodged in the patient's ward file. When it came to decisions about her care however, the ward sister did not know a P.o.A. existed; and presumed to make decisions on behalf of my mother without consulting anyone, this in spite of the fact that there was a family member present at the patient bedside at the time. We are encouraged to get involved in decision making but this is not possible if arrogant staff do not abide, even by the tenor let alone, the letter of the law. "Be involved in Decisions about your Care is an axiom of this hospitals policy. Which then goes on to stress the need to get family mambers or carers involed. Sadly with a huge ward, just 25 beds, the wrd sister chose not to read the file or to ignore it's content.