@steweatherhead
& @THEAGENTAPSLEY
 |
| What does consent to treatment mean? |
Lisa is a 42
year-old woman. She has had a difficult life. She has experienced multiple
traumas and has at times struggled with her emotions. Lisa has a few close
family members and a small social circle, though she does at times feel a bit
oppressed by them. In 2010 Lisa contracted HIV. She has been treated medically
and was stable for some time, however in 2013 she started to deteriorate. She
was seen by a psychologist as well as by medics. After a further twelve months
she had had enough of interventions and decided she wanted to live the
remainder of her life in her own way. Her family and friends objected as they
could see she would rapidly deteriorate. However with support from
professionals, Lisa utilised the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) to set some advanced
directives. She was found to be capable of making these decisions under the
MCA, and was legally allowed to refuse further intervention. Lisa did indeed
deteriorate, and died a few months later in her own home with her family and
friends around her.
