A retired cardiologist is advocating for the assisted dying bill, citing distressing and gruesome deaths he witnessed during his career. Dr. Liam Hughes, who worked in end-of-life care for over 40 years, emphasized the importance of peaceful and loving deaths. He shared a poignant story of administering a high dose of painkillers to a patient to alleviate suffering, a decision based on the ‘doctrine of double effect’ commonly used in palliative care.
Dr. Hughes expressed concerns about younger doctors being hesitant to provide aggressive symptom relief due to fears of being accused of overmedicating. He highlighted the necessity of spending time with patients to understand their wishes and ensure compassionate care. Reflecting on past experiences, he recounted using the ‘double effect’ principle early in his career to help a terminally ill patient find peace.
Despite facing criticism for his medical decisions, Dr. Hughes remains a strong advocate for patient-centered end-of-life care. He believes that understanding and respecting patients’ wishes are crucial in providing quality care, especially when facing distressing symptoms. The doctor’s experiences have shaped his perspective on the importance of balancing medical ethics with patient comfort and dignity.