Dr urges people to discuss end of life plan before coronavirus hits

A senior doctor is urging people to discuss end-of-life arrangements with their family’s whist they are well, in case they become sick.

Dr Hamish Courtney, from the Royal College of Physicians said it is important that people who are dying from coronavirus can do so in a dignified manner.

Northern Ireland’s Health Committee at Stormont are currently taking advice over whether or not to ventilate patients and the use of “do not resuscitate” (DNR) for the weakest of patients.

Dr Courtney said, “This is not just about Covid-19, although it has brought it into sharp focus.

“It is not just about rationing.

“It is about us as a society, doctors with their patients and families and individuals, discussing end of life.

“It is about providing compassion, care, allowing people to die peaceful and dignified deaths if that is possible.”

NHS England recorded 740 more deaths on Thursday who died in hospital who were aged between 28 and 104-years old.

40 of those deaths had no underlying health conditions. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all had a combined death toll of 130.

England has 12,396 deaths, Scotland have 779, Wales with 495 and Northern Ireland recorded a total of 158.

Palliative care expert, Kathryn Mannix told the BBC that people with a severe case of coronavirus wil died very “quickly.”

To help the public cope, Mannix explained how to understand the “horrible distressing” process.