He discharged himself from hospital

[milan2003_07]

While reading the definition of 'discharge' in the Collins Cobuild Dictionary I ran across the following example:

'Five days later Henry discharged himself from hospital'.

I guess it wasn't Henry himself who had issued a special allowance to be discharged from hospital because doctors usually discharge patients after they recuperate or get better.

Does the original sentence mean that Henry was discharged from hospital?

 

[jutfrank]

It's not a great example, I don't think. We can only assume it means that Henry left of his own accord, without waiting to be officially discharged by the hospital administration.

 

[Skrej]

Does the original sentence mean that Henry was discharged from hospital?

It means he left the hospital against medical advice. Hospitals can't force you to stay, even if you still need medical attention.

You have to sign some legal documents acknowledging you're leaving against doctor's advice, which limits the hospital's liability for further complications as a result of incomplete treatment. You're essentially assuming control of your medical treatment, so that's why we say you discharge yourself.

 

[tedmc]

Doctors discharge patients from hospitals; patients simply can't discharge themselves. Doing so would meant going against medical advice

 

[PeterCW]

Doctors discharge patients from hospitals; patients simply can't discharge themselves. Doing so would meant going against medical advice

It's the technical term for leaving hospital against medical advice.