"A PATIENT'S CLAIM TO LIFE" launched by ALERT

Britain's own "Dying Rooms" attacked

Following reports of a Brunel University survey indicating that involuntary euthanasia is now being carried out in Britain's hospitals, ALERT is issuing 'A PATIENT'S CLAIM TO LIFE', a wallet sized card, and documents that go with it (see ALERT's website, http://www.donoharm.org.uk/alert).

The card will be sent out free on request with a stamped addressed envelope.

The "CLAIM TO LIFE' card states 'I DO NOT WANT TO BE CAUSED TO DIE either by the withdrawing of food and fluids, or by other means.

"In case I am incapacitated, I have appointed (name ................. address............... telephone............. ) to act as my protector."

Download a copy of the form from here.

ALERT's Hon Secretary, Mrs. Elspeth Chowdharay-Best, said today: "Since the Appeal Court reversed the previous judgment in Leslie Burke's case, people cannot, unfortunately, ensure their future safety. The Mental Capacity Act put the Bland judgment into statute form, so that patients who cannot speak for themselves, for example following a stroke, may be deliberately caused to die in hospital. There is evidence that even patients with full capacity, who are not dying, are being sedated so as to qualify them for death. But what this card can do is to prevent misrepresentation of your wishes. I have signed one and will keep it by me at all times."

"Since Tony Bland was sentenced to death, Britain has had its own 'Dying Rooms' where patients are not fed. One I have visited was labelled 'REHAB': but no rehabilitation was offered to the patient.

"The publication of Professor Seale's survey has made some people realise what is going on. The more the facts are known, the more pressure there will be for reform of the law."

For more information please ring 020 7730 2800

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