Unknowing agent of death

From time to time there is mention of the doctor’s role in euthanasia, in particular the giving of a life-ending medication. Some years ago as a trained nurse I worked in the private wing of a large teaching hospital in London. I was looking after one particular patient. Over a period of several weeks I found that, according to the specialist’s written orders, I was expected to inject increasing doses of a particular narcotic pain-relieving drug.

As I usually had to wake my patient to give this injection, it became obvious she was certainly not in pain. When questioned, the senior nurse of the ward admitted she had been told the patient’s husband could no longer afford to keep her in a private wing.

Not only was I appalled at the callous way my patient’s life was to end, I, as one of two nurses in attendance, with no word to either of us, were to be the dupes to carry out the surgeon’s instructions. Despite my concern for the patient I felt I had no choice but to resign.

This incident raises the question, who in the end is expected to carry out the actual deed? And are they aware of what they are required to do and why? I hasten to add I would never presume to decide whether euthanasia is a desirable action or not as I believe every case is different and accordingly, every patient should be respected. Pamella Laird, Orewa.