My elderly (92 years old) BIL was taken into hospital last night suffering from yet another UTI which had left him very poorly and dehydrated. I got a phone call from the ward the morning to ask if I was coming in to visit today as the doctor wanted to speak to me. When I went in the doctor took me into a side room and basically said that if his heart stopped they would not resuscitate him, nor would he be taken into intensive care should his condition deteriorate. He would be given supportive therapy if he stopped breathing, but that would only be in the form of oxygen via a face mark, they would not intubate him. She said it was a clinical decision based on his age and his condition, but she gave me the impression that it wasn't something I could argue with.
Is this normal? I haven't told him of course. He keeps saying what a wonderful hospital it is and how well they are looking after him.
Is this normal? I haven't told him of course. He keeps saying what a wonderful hospital it is and how well they are looking after him.