A petition has been launched following the case of Barbie Duffy, whose advanced care directive was ignored by doctors after she suffered a major stroke in October 2021.
Duffy had made it clear in her directive she did not want care if she suffered a serious loss of mental and physical capacity.
However, doctors kept her alive against her wishes, despite her inability to communicate or care for herself. Duffy needed 24/7 care and was unable to speak, read or write.
When she was able to understand more, she refused food and, in the end, fluids. Barbie Duffy passed away 58 days after her stroke.
Barbie Duffy's daughter, Louise Duffy, has spoken to Lloyd Burr about the situation and launched a petition to ensure no other person has their advanced care directive ignored.
"It was a confusing time, we weren't the experts in terms of what the probable outcomes were going to be for Mum," Duffy said.
"Along with seeing that she was unwell, we were trying to work out what the outcomes were going to be and why the directive was not being followed."
Burr asked Duffy whether she knew the reason why her mother's advanced care directive was disregarded.
"The hospital had the directive and they were advised the day after Mum was admitted that if the effects of the stroke were going to be severe mum wanted care withdrawn.
"I couldn't actually tell you why mum's advanced directive was not followed, it seemed very clear we were supporting it and those were her wishes."
With the petition for Barbie's Bill underway, Burr asked what the proposed bill would set out to achieve.
"Barbie's Bill sets out to do three things. We want a national database where directives can be accessed immediately and from anywhere. The second thing we want is to have standardised care plans and the last thing is to get legislative backing."
Listen to the full interview between Louise Duffy and Lloyd Burr above.
You can also download the full interview on the Lloyd Burr Live podcast, and listen on the go.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER.
Stay in the loop on some of the most important things happening at Today FM - whether it be the biggest news stories, host opinions or the latest on what you need to know about happening on air and on our website. Sign up here.
