Woman, 91, must be kept alive says judge

Doctors have been ordered by a court to keep an ailing 91-year-old alive after her grandson took legal action to ensure she was being treated properly.

A judge told Norfolk and Norwich University hospital to treat retired school matron Olive Nockels until a full court hearing settles questions over her treatment.

Her grandson, Chris West, 32, claimed doctors appeared to believe it would be best to let his grandmother die. "I want her to be treated. She is sedated and is not being hydrated and I don't think that's right," said Mr West, from Norwich.

But a hospital source, disputing Mr West's claims, said Mrs Nockels, from Holt, Norfolk, was being given the best treatment and care.

Suffering from dementia and a stroke from which she is unlikely to recover, she is barely conscious, said the source. Procedures such as feeding her with a stomach tube would keep her alive but would not improve her quality of life.