PC Paul Briggs: Life support treatment 'should stop'

Interesting and sad

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38382771

[cat3]

I really don't know what to believe. Doctors are hopeful for a breakthrough in Mr Briggs condition whilst lawyers are campaigning for ending his life.

I'm not sure who is claiming that his present state is causing him suffering or, if that's true, what form that suffering takes.

If he were my partner (and NOT suffering) I would give Walton hospital (a centre of excellence) the benefit of the doubt and accept that they wouldn't keep patients alive just to win an argument, especially in view of dire bed shortages.

I cannot imagine they would act in any way other than in the best interests of their patients.

My ex husband spent 2&1/2 years in a minimally conscious state and it was a source of pain to us that his wife wouldn't (being next of kin) allow his transfer to Walton, despite strong recommendation from his consultant.

She wanted him transferred to a nursing home close to where she lived whereas we, his son, daughter and I, believed from observing efforts he made to engage that he deserved the intense rehab on offer. He died from pneumonia.

Whatever the situation or outcome Aqua, it's always a dreadfully sad business.

[iforget]

It's a hard situation. I have a directive attached to my medical notes as did my mother. My husband has no written directive but has told us of his wishes.

Prior to my TBI I probably would have opted for all and any measures but since then I now feel differently and quality of life is way more important than quantity and I would be devastated if a medical team fought against my/our express wishes. It's not just the patient who suffers.....

[Kirk5w7]

Hi Aqua, I have to agree with Cat on this one.

As someone whose husband was asked to put DNR on my notes whilst I was in a coma and who was expected to be in a permanent vegetative state should I come out of said coma. I have defied all odds and have a very good quality of life thank you. It is 5 years now and they have been difficult but........

So I would say he needs that chance in intense rehab, there were individuals in my rehab centre in a minimally conscious state and they were given incredible care. I only know of one who was sent home because they could not help and I don't know how long he had been there, the product of an argument with his girlfriend who pushed him from a moving car!!!

It is a difficult one, I know I wouldn't want a life I could not participate in but I'm glad I got the chance.

Janet

[Michael_e]

I read the full piece and whilst I would not wish to be 'allowed' to die, I was struck by the following sentence: "His wife Lindsey had told the Court of Protection treatment should be stopped "given his previously expressed wishes" and he should be allowed to die."

Perhaps he should be left to die. I don't know.

[randomphantoms]

Hi Hidden

It is a really tough one and should be a lesson to us all.

Simply saying to our nearest and dearest"I wouldn't want to be kept alive". Is not enough.

If we want to have any chance of such treatment being stopped it absolutely must be in writing and preferably attached to a will.

Saying that I must agree with Cat and say that in my limited experience I can't imagine that the Walton Centre would be willing to go to court without believing that the course of action they are following is in the patient's best interest.

I think you sum it up well when you said it's both "interesting and sad".

Love n hugs

Xoxo

[barny1]

Reading the article, I can't help but think it's not about his wishes but about her desires and wishes to move on with her life - sorry? None of us wanted a brain injury, there are many times I wish I hadn't survived, life can be difficult, but they're just phases. I wouldn't want someone else to decide my fate and who knows what potentially life-altering treatments may work now or in future, even things like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (which exist).

[Hidden]

It was an interesting article and throws up many questions.

[randomphantoms]

The news tonight is that the decision won't be contested.