This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-33731263

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Woman's leg amputated against wishes 'to save her life' Woman's leg amputated against wishes 'to save her life'
(about 2 hours later)
A mentally-ill woman has had part of her leg amputated against her wishes in order to save her life, it has emerged.A mentally-ill woman has had part of her leg amputated against her wishes in order to save her life, it has emerged.
Doctors said the woman, in her 60s, would die "very soon" from an infection unless her leg was removed above the knee.Doctors said the woman, in her 60s, would die "very soon" from an infection unless her leg was removed above the knee.
Last Friday, the Court of Protection ruled Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust could carry out the operation.Last Friday, the Court of Protection ruled Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust could carry out the operation.
But it banned reports of its decision until surgery had taken place, in case the woman found out and was distressed.But it banned reports of its decision until surgery had taken place, in case the woman found out and was distressed.
Mr Justice Keehan said he was "concerned to say the least" about authorising amputation against a patient's wishes.Mr Justice Keehan said he was "concerned to say the least" about authorising amputation against a patient's wishes.
'Best interests''Best interests'
But, he concluded, the woman had no "concept" of the risk to her life and said she "deserved the chance to live".But, he concluded, the woman had no "concept" of the risk to her life and said she "deserved the chance to live".
The court heard the woman, who had "pyschotic symptoms", had an infection which was not responding to treatment. The court heard the woman, who had "psychotic symptoms", had an infection which was not responding to treatment.
Doctors said she did not have the mental capacity to make decisions about her treatment and did not understand the risk to her life.Doctors said she did not have the mental capacity to make decisions about her treatment and did not understand the risk to her life.
Mungo Wenban-Smith, for the trust, argued amputation could prolong the woman's life by 10 or more years.Mungo Wenban-Smith, for the trust, argued amputation could prolong the woman's life by 10 or more years.
Conrad Hallin, who was appointed on the woman's behalf, agreed the amputation was in her best interests.Conrad Hallin, who was appointed on the woman's behalf, agreed the amputation was in her best interests.
Mr Justice Keehan ruled: "I am completely satisfied that [the woman] lacks the capacity to make decisions because she suffers from a delusional disorder.Mr Justice Keehan ruled: "I am completely satisfied that [the woman] lacks the capacity to make decisions because she suffers from a delusional disorder.
"It would appear she has no concept or understanding whatsoever that the alternative to surgery is that she will die within the next five to 10 days.""It would appear she has no concept or understanding whatsoever that the alternative to surgery is that she will die within the next five to 10 days."