Protesters call for help for teen
Friends and supporters of Nelson teenager Alex Renton have gathered to voice their frustrations and protest the ‘‘bureaucracy’’ in getting him treatment.
About 15 people gathered outside Nelson MP Nick Smith’s office yesterday to support Renton who has been in an induced coma in Wellington Hospital for two months and remains in ‘‘status epilepticus’’ a kind of prolonged seizure.
Renton’s family and supporters wanted him to be treated with a cannabinoid oil.
Supporters were outside Wellington Hospital yesterday as well, with placards calling for the oil to be allowed.
Capital & Coast District Health Board decided late on Friday to apply to the Ministry of Health for approval to use the marijuana extract to treat him.
A DHB spokeswoman said staff would work on the application yesterday, and expected it would be sent to the ministry in the next couple of days.
If the application is successful, the ultimate decision comes down to Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne.
Some travelled over from Golden Bay for the Nelson gathering, including Trudi Fersterer, who is a friend of the family.
She was there to show support for Renton and his family who had stayed by his bedside since he was put in an induced coma.
Renton grew up in Golden Bay, but moved to Nelson with his family and attended Nayland College last year.
‘‘I just want him to get the oil, it’s the last chance. It is a no-brainer, really.’’
Fersterer said the family was strong and ‘‘doing everything they can’’ to help Renton.
West Coast Tasman Labour MP Damien O’Connor also lent his support to the Nelson protest.
He had been speaking with Labour colleagues about putting forward a bill to legalise cannabis for medicinal use.
‘‘Alex’s case is an acute one, we need to act urgently, any parent would understand you do everything possible to save and support your children.’’
Smith was not at his Nelson office, but had a letter read out to the supporters that he had sent to the family, where he had said it was a ‘‘tragic’’ situation and his office had spoken with the office of Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne about the oil.
Smith said he needed to hear from the medical specialist that the oil would be of benefit to Renton before he advocated for it.