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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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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 4: Advance Directive

Series 6

Episode 4

Episode 4: Advance Directive

Advance Directive

BBC Radio 4 - Inside the Ethics Committee, Series 6, Advance Directive

A woman with a living will attempts suicide. Should she be admitted to intensive care?

A woman with a living will asking for no treatment to prolong her life arrives at hospital having attempted suicide. Should she be admitted to intensive care?

A woman is brought to A&E by her husband . She is unconscious having attempted suicide. She's been in pain for more than 30 years with severe arthritis. Having witnessed elderly relatives' death in distressing circumstances years ago, she and her husband have written living wills or advance directives. They ask for no medical treatment in certain circumstances. She has always maintained with everyone she knew that she doesn't ever want to be admitted to intensive care. She has left five copies of her advance directive with her husband, sister, daughter, lawyer and GP. The staff in A&E are torn about what to do - should they admit her to intensive care and save her life, or let her die ?
What should hospital staff do? Do they admit her to A&E against the spirit of her advanced directive or give basic treatment knowing it might prolong her life against her wishes but prevent a slow painful death caused by the overdose? 
Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the complex ethical issues around advanced directives and decision making at the end of life. 
Producer: Pam Rutherford.

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 4: Advance Directive

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