The story of Wellington woman Margaret Page, whose decision to starve herself to death sparked widespread debate across New Zealand.
Mrs Page refused to eat for 17 days. The 60-year-old had a cerebral haemorrhage 20 years ago and then, four years ago, fell out of her wheelchair. She was severely disabled and eventually told family and friends she no longer wanted to live.
Staff at the care home respected the decision as her right but her husband was critical of them for not doing enough to keep her alive.
Producer - Julie Ash
Reporter - Amanda Millar
Camera - Belinda Walshe
Editor - Tamara Finau-Moir
60 Minutes asked St John of God to comment on the allegations made in our story, but they failed to respond in time for the programme. However we have now received the following statement from Ralph La Salle, New Zealand Chief Executive of St John of God Hauora Trust, which owns the St John of God Wellington residential care facility:
All St John of God management, staff and residents are deeply saddened by Margaret Page's death and our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Page and her family, and have been throughout the past weeks. Margaret died peacefully and with dignity and our staff and residents will remember her as a vibrant and courageous woman.
Food and drink were offered to Margaret by staff members at regular intervals when they went into her room. Margaret maintained her resolve to refuse food and drink until the very end of her life. Occasionally she asked for a taste of some of her favourite items, such as coffee and biscuits. These were provided and she managed a few sips and ate small portions of the biscuits but always indicated this did not mean she had changed her mind.
We made every effort to communicate with all family members about her care and we are sorry if this may have been perceived differently.
St John of God Hauora Trust took over the running of Maddison – now renamed St John of God Wellington – on 1 February 2010. We cannot therefore comment on matters prior to that date. From February 1, St John of God Wellington's staff worked in collaboration with Margaret, her GP, her family, hospice staff, and DHB staff to ensure a high level of care to meet her physical and psychological needs.
We advocated on Margaret's behalf for the special cushion she wanted and were able to find a cushion to lend her in the meantime, which she accepted and used. Margaret was offered a trial of a computer-assisted speech aid in March but it wasn't available immediately. Margaret told us that her decision to refuse food and drink had nothing to do with the timely provision of either a special cushion or a speech aid.