Patient L ‘responded to Mecca perfume’

THE wife of a Greater Manchester Muslim man diagnosed as suffering a persistent vegetative state has told a High Court judge that he “sniffed” a perfume from Mecca.

The family of patient L says it is proof it is too soon to conclude his state is permanent. The family opposes proposals to deny the 55 year old life–prolonging treatment if his condition deteriorates.

Patient L suffered a heart attack in mid–July that resulted in severe brain damage.

The man’s wife told the court he has shown active signs of life — including responding to the perfume — when his family has visited him. The mother-of-eight criticised her husband’s quality of care.

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a court declaration that it would not be in his best interests to offer him ventilation or resuscitation if there was “a life–threatening event”.

The case continues.

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