A patient expresses dissatisfaction with her care and states her intention to leave the hospital. What should the Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) do?

When a patient expresses dissatisfaction with their care and indicates a desire to leave the hospital, it is important to ensure that they have the opportunity to discuss their concerns with a qualified healthcare professional. By asking the patient to wait for their nurse to come and talk to her, the Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) is facilitating an appropriate response to the patient’s concerns.

This approach allows for better communication, giving the nurse the chance to address the patient's issues directly. Nurses are trained to handle such situations and can provide the necessary support, information, or reassurances that might resolve the patient’s dissatisfaction. Furthermore, this response aligns with hospital protocols that prioritize patient safety and satisfaction, ensuring that any potential issues are handled effectively and professionally.

The other options do not prioritize the patient’s needs effectively. Encouraging the patient to leave immediately could lead to safety concerns and may not address the underlying issues causing dissatisfaction. Taking complaints to administration without first allowing the nurse to intervene could delay resolution and potentially worsen the patient's feelings. Telling the patient she can't leave without signing a form may feel punitive and dismiss the patient's right to make decisions about their care, potentially escalating the situation further.