When was the last family visit, Dawn?
Umm, I’ll have to check the book, but I can’t remember one.
He talks about a sister, sometimes, in Cornwall or maybe its Devon.
- Now’s a good time? - Mornings are best.
Mr. Robinson, I’m what’s called an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate, an IMCA,
but you can call me William for short.
I’m here because you’re having trouble eating, Mr. Robinson.
I like the porridge.
That must be because you find it much easier to get down.
I like the porridge.
I’ve been speaking with your doctor, Dr. De Silva and she thinks we should discuss
the possibility of putting a tube in.
A peg, that will help the food get right down into your stomach, where it will do most good.
Where’s Mary?
I'll leave you to it, Mr. Robinson.
His wife? - Died. 12 years ago.
Yes, yes Mrs. Thomas. Peter Robinson. He’s having trouble swallowing.
Peter Robinson, Mrs. Thomas, your brother.
I managed to get some of that pear you liked, while nobody was looking. [Laughs]
Here you go.
Umm, looks great and another.
Let me get that.
There you go.
You enjoyed that didn’t you.
Can I have a word, Dawn?
Yeah, just a minute.
I’ll see if I can get you some of that fish pie tomorrow, I know it’s your favourite.
There we go.
That didn’t look too bad, he seemed to be swallowing quite a bit of that.
Well, I spent my time on it. I know what he likes.
- And he doesn’t like the dining area? - No, he likes his room.
- So, how long have you been his carer? - Six years.
And what do you think about the peg?
Well it’s not that difficult to make his food nice for him, is it?
According to his doctor, he’s not eating, he’s losing weight and he’s not
getting the nutrition that he needs. I will be speaking to the speech and language therapist as well.
But your opinion is important too. Does he get upset?
Some people think he’s a bit tricky but we always get along. Could you,
could you pass me that tea-towel please?
I have to go and write up my report, so if there is anything else that you think is important
it would be really helpful. Give it some thought eh.
What are you going to recommend?
It’s Dr. De Silva’s job to decide what’s in Mr. Robinson’s best interest.
All I can try and do is work out what he might prefer. I have no idea which way it will go.
Do you mind if I use the office next door to type up my notes
while it’s still fresh in my mind? - No that’s fine.
It was very difficult to get Mr. Robinson’s views directly but Mr. Robinson’s care worker, Dawn Azohah,
has been invaluable in providing an insight into what his wishes might be.
She has shown that with a little care and forward planning, Mr. Robinson can be fed satisfactorily
and she has provided evidence that food has always been an important part of his life.
So what do you think about the peg?
I think I’m glad that I asked the advice of the person who knows him best.
But if they decide not to go ahead, you’re going to have your work cut out.
You’ll have to let the rest of the staff here into the secrets of what Peter likes to eat
and how he likes to eat it.