Accrington Web - View Single Post

lettie · 21-05-2005, 09:22

It's an interesting article AB, I have to admit that Doris has a point. I have said on various other threads that the NHS cannot cope with demand but I think we are going down the wrong road by denying terminally ill patients food and drink. There are valid cases for witholding treatments antibiotics, resuscitation etc but to deny food and fluids is tantamount to torture. As nurses we are taught that we must allow patients to die with dignity. I don't see that forcing someone to starve to death is very dignified. To feed and water terminally ill patients does not keep them alive but it allows them to be more comfortable.

I think that there will be many a nurse within the NHS that disobey these court orders. I know that I would.

21-05-2005, 09:22	#19
lettie Filthy / Gorgeous Bejeweled Blitz Champion! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Xanadu Posts: 4,005 Blog Entries: 337 Liked: 67 times Rep Power: 88670	Re: The right to Life.......? It's an interesting article AB, I have to admit that Doris has a point. I have said on various other threads that the NHS cannot cope with demand but I think we are going down the wrong road by denying terminally ill patients food and drink. There are valid cases for witholding treatments antibiotics, resuscitation etc but to deny food and fluids is tantamount to torture. As nurses we are taught that we must allow patients to die with dignity. I don't see that forcing someone to starve to death is very dignified. To feed and water terminally ill patients does not keep them alive but it allows them to be more comfortable. I think that there will be many a nurse within the NHS that disobey these court orders. I know that I would. __________________ Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether. The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my family, friends, employer, this site, my neighbours, hairdresser, dentist, GP, next door's dog or anyone else who knows me..