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Tue 24 May, 2011 03:45 pm
Hello, Im sorry to ask this as there are probably more serious discussions going on, but could anyone please tell me if someone was in hospital in a coma after a failed suicide/hanging attempt, and they had no known relatives,how long would the person remain in hospital for? In other words-when do the medical staff give up/turn off any support !(if the there were no signs of the the person coming out of the coma)? 1 day, 3, 3 months ?
Whos decision would this be/medical/police?
Would this be an individual/doctor decision or a a wider policy?
Any help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks,
Rob
NO relatives?
Interesting question.
I imagine a court order would be sought (by the hospital) to pull the plug. Usually it's next of kin - UNLESS the patient has a written order not to.
@robofthefor,
There is no formula or checklist to follow; it is predicated only on the particular situation.
Joseph Campbell once said that you can teach someone how to fall and how to get up, but it is up to the person to decide on
when to do it.
@robofthefor,
It's most likely a situation where the hospital would need to sue for the right (which they wouldn't necessarily be interested in exercising). A court would also appoint a guardian to represent the patient as the patient is not competent but still has rights.
@robofthefor,
Don't forget about the brain activity. If the patient is brain dead, then it's highly unlikely the person will remain on life support.
Would this be an individual/doctor decision or a a wider policy?
This will probably differ between state law, country law, and individual hospital policy.
So, it would best suit you just to take the lead and push the story (when the patient is removed from life support) if and when the action best suits your script.
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