Freeda Hayes...

I promised to reveal the outcome of the Freeda Hayes case.

You may remember that Freeda was a 48 year old woman who died in a hospice. The doctor and Freeda's brother and sister, who were with her at the time of her death, were charged with 'wilful murder'.  All three were acquitted. The book relating to the case by investigative writer - and ex-nurse - Robin Bowles, takes us carefully through the legal case and suggests the characters of the key players. It is helpsful to have the perspective of an author with inside knowledge of healthcare and who is also free to ask questions of those involved (See http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s696378.htm). The most interesting aspect of the case described is not perhaps 'whodunnit' but rather insights shared regarding what motivates people to act or not to act in such circumstances...

Does this suggest a better model for applied ethics than our usual engagement with frustratingly short case summaries with little information regarding the perspectives of the key players?  If I recall correctly, Carol Gilligan describes a common response of female participants in response to ethical dilemma cases as "it depends".

More engagement, more listening, more inclusion of a range of diverse perspectives seems to be in keeping with 'slow ethics'...

So now back to catching up with neglected projects, students and manuscripts....