A GP who cared for a patient who eventually starved herself to death says the woman was deemed competent to make her own choices.
In 1991, Margaret Page suffered a stroke and was left physically disabled. She was cared for at home for about 15 years before moving to Maddison House, now called St John of God, after suffering a fall.
Mrs Page stopped eating for more than two weeks at the facility in the Wellington suburb of Karori and died in March 2010.
At a coroner's hearing in Wellington on Thursday, Myrto Kenny said the 60-year-old was a very strong lady who knew what she wanted.
Dr Kenny said psychiatric assessments stated that the woman was mentally competent and not depressed or anxious. She said M rs Page spoke to her about dying on a number of occasions.
St John of God general manager Deborah Brinston defended the level of care and told the inquest that Mrs Page did not want to continue living with her severe disability.
Ms Brinston said meals were offered to the woman over the days she did not eat or drink, before she died on 30 March 2010.
But Margaret Page's ex-husband, Barry Page, told the inquest that she became depressed about her disability and level of care.
Mr Page married again, but continued to care for her and told the inquest that she was in no sound mind to make decisions.
Coroner Ian Smith has reserved his decision.
