THE PRESIDENT OF the High Court has said that medical staff treating an elderly man with dementia who would “rather die” that have his severely infected leg amputated have been placed in an “appalling dilemma”.
The HSE sought the order arising out both the man’s serious health condition and over the fact the man had clearly expressed his view that despite the risks involved, including the risk of death, he did not want his leg removed. Outlining the man’s serious condition to the High Court, Donal McGuinness Bl for the HSE said the man suffers from delirium caused by his dementia.He said the man was also at risk of a severe bleed after a graft on his leg broke down.
The doctor said amputation was clearly indicated but the patient had insisted very clearly that he would rather die. The consultant said the man would probably suffer from “post-operative delirium” if the operation went ahead.