Citation

Sneesby L. Int. J. Palliat. Nurs. 2009; 15(9): 456-462.

Affiliation

Calvary Mater Newcastle, Division of Palliative Care, NSW, Australia. ludmilla.sneesby@mater.health.nsw.gov.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, MA Healthcare)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19957456

Abstract

This paper presents a challenging case study that reflects on the ethical and legal obligations of health-care workers. The case raised issues about the rights of terminally ill patients to refuse or reject treatment, and changed practice with the formulation of procedures and guidelines about self-harm, the wider issue of euthanasia, and the responsibilities of health-care workers in such cases. This case study is the story of Bernie (pseudonym), an 84-year-old man, from his admission to the palliative care outreach service, to his death. At the time of his attempted suicide, he was a patient of a palliative care outreach team at an Austalian hospital. The right of a person to take their own life, respect for autonomy and the actions of health-care workers are the basis of discussion.

Language: en