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Inside the Ethics Committee

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Religion & Ethics

Joan Bakewell and a panel of experts wrestle with the ethics of a real-life medical case.

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to wrestle with the ethics arising from a real-life medical case.

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 6

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 6: Episode 1: Mentally Ill and Refusing Surgery

Series 6

Episode 1

Episode 1: Mentally Ill and Refusing Surgery

Mentally Ill and Refusing Surgery

BBC Radio 4 - Inside the Ethics Committee, Series 6, Mentally Ill and Refusing Surgery

Should a man who believes his life-saving surgery is a conspiracy to kill him be forced?

John needs a life-saving operation, but is refusing it. Patients have the right to refuse treatment, but John is mentally ill. Is his refusal valid? Can he be forced to go ahead?

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the real life case of John who needs a life-saving operation, but is refusing it. 

Patients have the right to refuse treatment, but John is mentally ill. He believes the operation is an elaborate conspiracy to kill him. 

Without surgery, John has only a few weeks to live. 

Is John's refusal valid? Should the surgeon operate without his consent? It might save John's life, but would it be in his best interests?

Joan Bakewell is joined by her panel of experts to discuss the complex ethical issues arising from this case.


Producer: Beth Eastwood.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Joan Bakewell and a panel of experts examine the ethics involved in a real hospital case

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case

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Inside the Ethics Committee

Series 6

Episode 1: Mentally Ill and Refusing Surgery

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