Forum Topic

Can anyone help me please?

Can anyone help me please?My Mother had a stroke 2 and half weeks ago and is in a coma. The hospital have said there has been no improvement but we can see there has been but they say that it is only involuntary movements as she hasn’t done as they have asked. They told us she would not make it through the night the day of her stroke then 2 days later they said she wouldn’t make it though the weekend she then got a chest infection and again they said she would not pull through. She has proved them wrong 100%She is breathing on her own her blood pressure and heart rate is fine but has a feeding tube.They have now said they will be removing the feeding tube and fluids so she will be starved to death You would be up in court if you did this to an animal, Murder and assisted suicide is illegal so how is starving someone to death legal.I could understand if she was brain dead and only being kept alive by a machine; I think it is barbaric to starve someone to death as this can take up to 2 weeks.Can anyone tell me how I can stop them doing this?  To my Mum

Sue Brace ● 6270d10 Comments

This is awful. I think you need to see a solicitor or citizens advice bureau as they would point you in the correct direction. I'm sure you can get a court action for this ( a couple had a baby who they wanted kept alive so it can be done).She is not being kept alive by any machine she is functioning ok apart from eating - guess their action is because she is elderly no dignity in getting old.

Peter Wright ● 6269d

I'm so sorry to hear about the situation you are in. I would suggest that you contact the hospital's Medical Director and speak to him/her about this. I would also suggest that you seek an immediate court injunction, but you would need some legal help with that. Best wishes.

Fiona Harcombe ● 6269d

Im quite sure there is a breach of human rights here....Also dont the hospital have a duty of care to do whatever is necessary to keep patients alive???In doing what they are doing is that not a form of euthanasia???

Andy Wright ● 6269d

Contact your MP (Is it Steve Pound?) at once. Contact Pals at the hospital, and get in touch with a solicitor.This is absolutely awful - I'm in tears for you and your poor mum at the moment. Please let us know what happens

Samantha Tubbritt ● 6269d

I would contact the press and LIFE too.

Graham Weeks ● 6269d

I was very sorry to read of your news.You need a solicitor who specialises in Community Care and Clinical negligence. You need to act swiftly judging by what you say.The following are not recommendations as no one does that these days. But they are well known firms.Bindmans LLP  275 Grays Inn Road, London,WC1X 8QB  Tel: 020 7833 4433http://www.bindmans.com/index.php?id=clinicalnegligenceThompsons Solicitors Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LWThe following link may be helpful.http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/ltext/l0820001.htmIf you don’t want to use these solicitors you can use the Community Legal Advice site to search for a solicitor with these specialisms.See  http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/directory/directorysearch.jsp?doSearch=yes&searchBy=area&searchText=531100%2C181100%7CLondon&lawCatCB=15ME&lawCatCB=15CM&doLocality=1&startRow=11Or you can telephone the Law Society who can give names of appropriate solicitors. 020 7242 1222 , but they will not give legal advice.Also contact Pals The Medical Director and your MP.If you can, try to make a written record and and keep a record of phone calls to the medical profession.I wish you well in such a stressful situation.

George Knox ● 6269d

Re Can anyone tell me how I can stop them doing this?  To my Mum           xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx      Sue, this is unbelievable. I get the impression you are in this battle on your own, if not, get other members of the family involved if only to spread the load, as it were. If the hospital concerned is in Ealing, make sure you name and shame them, with personal names if poss. Other posters have made good suggestions. Good luck and please keep in touch with the Forum members.

Tony Price ● 6269d

Thank you all for you helpful information and support I will be on the phone to all the places you have suggested MondayI just wish this year was over as my Husband died of a sudden heart attack at work on the second of May My mother went into Ealing Hospital on the 7th of July with dizzy spells after being in there over a week she had her stroke. My younger sister had a heart attack on Thursday I am glad to say she is doing fine and I am looking after my father who can’t walk.  My youngest sister is with my mum every day to try and stimulate her as the hospital keeps her comfortable and clean but that’s it  so while  my sister is at the hospital I am looking after her young daughter and my Dad i go to the hospital when my nephew comes over and sits with Dad.I was trying to sort out my own problems as my husband was working nights on his own with no health and safety procedures in place. He was only found when a driver came looking for him as he could not start his bus, but the  company is getting away with it as my husband died of natural curses. He had no life insurance so I have so much to sort out. I have had to put this all on hold as there is not enough hours in the day. My Mother is more important to me right now I have lost my Husband who was my best friend I just can’t let them KILL my mum.  You can understand why I wish this year was over.Thanks again, take care, Sue

Sue Brace ● 6268d

I am not an expert, and do not know how most stroke victims fare, but every one that I heard of, including my mother, had a series of strokes, each occurring as the person appeared to be improving and instead causing another setback. It can be a very long and painful process.

Chris Bell ● 6267d

Just to keep you up to date, we were supposed to have a meeting with the doctor at the Hospital on Wednesday but after the MP’s sectary phoned them on Tuesday it has now been put off till today Friday at 12 noon .Will let you know the outcomeTake care, Sue

Sue Brace ● 6263d