A man was admitted to hospital in an unconscious state. He had suffered brain damage after a cardiac arrest caused by a heroin overdose. Six days after admission his treating doctors decided to cease antibiotics and artificial nutrition, and not to resuscitate him should he suffer a cardiac arrest. The man’s sister applied to the Supreme Court seeking an order that her brother be provided life-sustaining treatment.
The Court was critical of the decision to withdraw treatment, and concluded that the decision was made prematurely. Of significance was expert medical opinion critical of the approach taken by the man’s treating doctors.
This case illustrates that though doctors are able to withhold or withdraw treatment that is not in a person's best interests, the Supreme Court can prevent the withdrawal of treatment where it may jeopardise the life, good health or welfare of an unconscious person.