British Section of the World Federation of Doctors Who Respect Human Life

"An investigation has been launched into the death of an 88-year old patient who allegedly went without food and drink for six days" (Eastbourne Herald, 2 Apr 04). Lillian Cook, of Anglesey Avenue, Hailsham, was admitted to the hospital with a minor stroke in 1998. Six days later` she was dead.

"Mrs. Cook was designated nil by mouth whilst tests were arranged to establish whether the stroke had affected her swallowing muscles - despite the fact that she had been managing to eat and talk normally."