One of our favorite stories goes like this:

A sweet older lady telephoned University Hospital. She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?" The operator said, "I can, what's the name and room number?"

The old lady in her weak voice said, "Kate Smith, Room 302."

The operator replied, "Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse."

After a few minutes the operator returned to the phone and said, "Oh, I have good news, her nurse just told me that Kate is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal and her physician, Dr. Jones, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday."

The old lady said, "Thank you. That's wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you!" The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Kate your daughter?"

The grandmother said, "No, I'm Kate Smith in 302. No one tells me beans around here!

Funny, right?! While this might have happened 15 years ago, current HIPAA regulations would make it almost impossible today. Still, here at Personal Safety Nets, we want to remind you that if there are people around you who you would like to be able to get in touch with you if you were unexpectedly in a hospital setting, you need to be sure to legally authorize their access. Whatever you decide, be sure to talk with the people involved, and to your doctor. The best assurance of staying connected, regardless of age or reason, is communication and the power of having made and taken appropriate action on decisions.