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• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 41-50 >> Interview 29 >> She asked to be discharged and was allowed home because her husband was off work and could look after her.

Had a planned hysterectomy in 2004. Complications led to a second operation. Was admitted to intensive care because of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Spent 2 weeks in intensive care, 1 day in High Dependence Unit and 1 week in a general ward.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 61-70 >> Interview 03 >> He was angry when his first appointment to visit his home with an occupational therapist was cancelled, but was eventually discharged.

In 2002 had throat surgery and knew he would go to High Dependency Unit afterwards. Overnight, however, had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and needed emergency bronchoscopy. Was in intensive care for 5 weeks and in ward for 5 weeks.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 31-40 >> Interview 14 >> After talking with the doctor and some tests, she discharged herself because she felt she'd be better off at home where she could get some sleep.

Had a planned caesarean in 2005. Had a complication (placenta accreta) after she'd delivered and had to have a hysterectomy. Following hysterectomy, was in ICU for nearly 2 days, then spent 2 days in her own room in the hospital with her new baby. Discharged herself and has had no problems since.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 41-50 >> Interview 26 >> His wife collected him, but they would have liked some help from hospital staff with carrying his medications to the car.

Was admitted to intensive care in 2005 because of severe pneumonia. Spent 30 days in intensive care and 8 days in a general ward.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 41-50 >> Interview 28 >> Doctors agreed to discharge him after talking to his wife, and he surprised his children by turning up at home without telling them first.

Was admitted to intensive care in 2004 because of septicaemia. Spent about 7 weeks in intensive care and 4 weeks in a general ward.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 61-70 >> Interview 03 >> He lived in a retirement home and all the residents lined the pavement and waved when he arrived by ambulance.

In 2002 had throat surgery and knew he would go to High Dependency Unit afterwards. Overnight, however, had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and needed emergency bronchoscopy. Was in intensive care for 5 weeks and in ward for 5 weeks.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: Patients' experiences >> Aged 51-60 >> Interview 09 >> He could shave one day and have a bath the next but didn't have the strength or energy to do both.

Was admitted to intensive care in 2004 because of a severe asthma attack. Was in intensive care for 3 days and on a general ward for about ten days.