High Court rules doctors should not amputate elderly man's leg

The man, who has vascular dementia, said he would rather die than have one leg.

Mr Justice David Barniville said he would consent to the man’s discharge from hospital to his home where he will be supported by a palliative care team.

The President of the High Court has given consent for doctors not to amputate a man’s leg against his vehemently expressed wishes, even though he might die due to infection of the limb.

The man, who lacks the mental capacity to weigh the decision due to vascular dementia, has clearly and consistently objected to the proposed surgery and said he would rather die than have one leg.