‘No medical intervention’ for the dying

SIR – In cases of terminal disease, care is transferred to, or advice is sought from the palliative care team.

Palliative care is a well-established consultant-led speciality, active in the hospice movement, in acute hospitals and in the community. Plenty of evidence-based advice is available from the palliative care formulary and other texts to reduce distress by effective pain and symptom control. In these cases, food and drink can be taken or not (Letters, January 13), as preferred by the patient.

Do some people confuse things by leaving a “no medical intervention” directive, without seeking advice as to the consequences? Barbara Cooke

Martlesham Heath, Suffolk

SIR – Both my parents had dementia finally and were in a nursing home. If either had not received basic care – being offered a drink and, if refused, their lips being moistened – I would have reported it to the sister in charge, the owners of the nursing home and the Nursing and Midwifery Council if not immediately resolved. Pauline Carroll

Bath