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Anyway I am sure that you can find some info here http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/archers/
Right back on topic doctors have to swear a hyporcratic (sp?) oath to say that they will do everything in thier power to keep their patients alive.
And for whoever asked yes I am pretty sure that they can still strap you down and force feed you even in this day and age as long as your sectioned.
PS Radio 4 rocks
EDIT: you might disregard this comment. I had the traditional oath in mind, and I just found out there's a "modern version" which is a lot different than the old one.
i am a bit rusty on my ED knowledge, but I recall something about 40 or 45% and it you drop below 45% of your ideal BMI then you lose proper mental function. so in medical terms one would lose the capactiy to give consent.
Zella, you ask is what can be done right? - my answer is probably, if the course of action has been decided by all those involved and the thoughts and views of the patient are also considered in this process.
the Department of Health has some useful information on consent
try here http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/Consent/ConsentFAQ/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4039322&chk=oDHcDp
and http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/Consent/ConsentGeneralInformation/fs/en
This is interesting because without consent, doctor's are limited in what they are legally allowed to do. Under common law, doctor's can provide emergency treatment, for example if a patient is unconscious and unable to consent. The Mental Health Act allows treatment of 'mentally disordered' patients, but only for their mental illness, not concomitant diseases.
In this case, refeeding may not necessarily be regarded as a treatment for the anorexia.
MoK points out that most people with anorexia nervosa are not determined to commit suicide, but suicide may be a possible consequence of their behaviour.
:eek2:
You're back!
I have broadband at last. Expect regular posts from the Kentish Man
:wave:
Are you and MoK gonna be arguing about Kent again?:p
No I haven't I just had to learn about it in an Eastern Medical Traditions course at university - however I am sure that for most doctors there would be more that they could do to help patients if they had the right funding and equpiment.....