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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 9

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 9: Episode 4: Lung Transplant Teenager

Episode 4

Episode 4: Lung Transplant Teenager

Series 9

Lung Transplant Teenager

BBC Radio 4 - Inside the Ethics Committee, Series 9, Lung Transplant Teenager

How much should a seriously ill 17-year-old know about his condition and its prognosis?

John had a lung transplant at 11, but a few years later his illness returned. Should he be given a second transplant? Joan Bakewell and guests discuss this real-life case.

At the age of 11 John was diagnosed with a condition called pulmonary hypertension. He suffers from shortness of breath, coughing up blood and swelling in the legs. He's seriously ill and is referred to a specialist hospital where he is advised that he needs a lung transplant.

John recovers well from the operation. He goes back home and lives like a normal teenager, albeit one who has to take medication every day to stop his body rejecting the new lungs. John passes his GCSEs and gets a place to study art and design at college.

But at a regular check up John and his family receive bad news. His body is rejecting the lungs and he is becoming ill again. The doctors suggest he needs a second transplant.

Joan Bakewell and her guests discuss the issues around whether John should be given a second transplant and be put through another long and complicated operation. How much should John at 17 years old be told about his condition and its long term prognosis?

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

A panel of experts tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case

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Inside the Ethics Committee

Series 9

Episode 4: Lung Transplant Teenager

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