Courts / Ireland / Report

HSE secures order to force feed woman who court heard wants to be allowed die

Summary

In a High Court case, the Health Services Executive (HSE) sought an order to force-feed a woman who had expressed a desire to die due to childhood sexual abuse. The HSE, represented by Shane Costellloe SC, argued that the woman, who had previously agreed to take fluids and nourishment for two weeks, was now refusing food. The court, after hearing medical professionals, granted an order allowing doctors to feed her via a nasogastric tube without her consent. The woman, treated at a psychiatric facility for PTSD and other mental health conditions, had been admitted following self‑harm incidents and had previously been fed through a nasogastric tube until late September. The judge noted that the woman's mental capacity to refuse food was disputed, with some clinicians believing she lacked capacity and others disagreeing. The order permits medical practitioners to take necessary steps to provide nourishment to prevent imminent death.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: HSE secures order to force feed woman who court heard wants to be allowed die. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2014-10-15 Publication

Why: (Pictured: Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns) by Aodhan O'Faolain The Health Services Executive has returned to the High Court to secure an order allowing doctors force feed a woman who has expressed a desire to be allowed die because of the sexual abuse she suffered as a child. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report