Inquest told how patient refused to eat

A MAN who refused all forms of feeding during a lengthy stay in hospital died in part from malnutrition, an inquest heard yesterday.

James Cullen, 53, with an address at St Vincent’s Hostel on Anglesea Street, Cork, was fully aware of the consequences of his decision not to eat, Cork Coroner’s Court was told.

Mr Cullen was admitted to the Mercy University Hospital on July 5, 2007 complaining of anorexia, weight loss and dizziness. He died peacefully on August 20, weighing just 32kg.