Photo: AFP
Louise Duffy's mother had an advance directive, or living will, which stated she did not wish to be treated if she had severe loss of physical or mental capacity.
But when she suffered a severe stroke, Louise says medical staff ignored her mother's wishes, and continued treatment. Her mother, Barbie Duffy died 58 days later, after refusing food and, finally, fluids.
Louise Duffy has started a petition, calling for a national register of advanced directives, to strengthen current systems and give plans and people more certainty.
She tells her mother's story to Susie Ferguson, who also speaks with Nick Laing, medico-legal lawyer with Duncan Cotterill in Nelson.
