Doctors can force-feed anorexic woman, court rules

Patricia's condition has left her unable to walk unaided and she has bedsores and osteoporosis

Doctors have been told they can force-feed an anorexic woman following a legal ruling.

In 2023, a court said 25-year-old Patricia, whose name has been changed for legal reasons, could not be forced to use a feeding tube.

Following a legal challenge by her family members, the the Court of Protection has now ruled treatment can be used "to save her life".

Patricia, who weighs just three stone (19kg), is under the care of three different NHS bodies operating in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and, in a joint statement, they said they welcomed "the clarity" the ruling gave.

The judgement said that Patricia, who is autistic, has suffered from anorexia nervosa since the age of 10.

A court order made in 2023 ruled against force-feeding Patricia without her consent.

That was challenged by her parents at the Court of Protection, which makes decisions for people who "lack mental capacity".

'Patricia's will to live remains strong'

Mrs Justice Arbuthnot now ruled Patricia could now be force-fed regardless of whether she had personally given permission, as this was in her "best interests".

"Having considered the balance of the imminent risk of death versus the harm which will be caused psychologically and emotionally... the balance is in favour of trying to save her life," she said.

"Patricia's will to live remains strong. She speaks about what she would like to do in her life, including travelling."

Patricia did not want the order lifted, and was "traumatised" by the thought of having to be force-fed, arguing it was "torture", Mrs Justice Arbuthnot said.

"What struck me was how wrong it was that a potential life-saving option, open to every other anorexic in the country, was not available to Patricia," she added.

Patricia has been treated by doctors from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.

A spokesperson on behalf of the three NHS bodies said Patricia's health and wellbeing remained their "priority".

"We welcome the clarity this Court of Protection ruling provides and the court's thorough review of this complex case," they said.

• Details of support with eating disorders in the UK are available at BBC Action Line