Six months ago, Lydia, a 45 year old woman suffered severe trauma in a car accident. The accident left her completely paralyzed. The doctors were not sure of her cognition because all she able to do is nod her head. Lydia is dependent on a feed tube for nourishment and a ventilator for breathing. The medical professionals in charge of Lydia’s care were not optimistic about her recovery. Lydia’s husband, Mr. Bevins, says his wife would not want to live this marginal existence, unfortunately, Lydia’s mother, Eileen Redfield, believes in miracles. The battle of emotions between mother and husband has Lydia’s primary care physician, Dr. Bob Pritchard in the middle. Mr. Bevin states that before their marriage Lydia had written an advance directive but he was unable to locate the document. Without knowing her wishes, it became the responsibility of her love ones to make the final decision about continued care or termination.
End of the life decisions are never easy for anyone involved. The CEO of the hospital, Felicia Larue, has asked for a briefing on the status of the patient and alternative methods to protect the patient’s rights and minimize the hospital’s explore. When the patient is unable to speak for self, it becomes the responsibility of a surrogate to decide the best interest of the patient. There are two conflicting views that cause major agitation for the hospital and the doctors in charge of the patient’s care. Fact one, the patient is paralyzed and requires the assistance of a mechanical device to breathe and a feeding tube for nourishment. Dr. Pritchard is doubtful about her recovery. Fact two, there is evidence of advance care directive but the actual document is not available for view. To protect the rights of the patient and the hospital, an ethics committee review is needed.

The committee will speak with the husband, the mother, and medical