Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

WILLIAM

When was the last family visit Dawn?

DAWN

Um, I'd have to check the book, but I can't remember one. He talks about a sister sometimes in Cornwall, or maybe it's Devon.

WILLIAM

Now is a good time?

DAWN

Mm, morning's best.

WILLIAM

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.

MR. ROBINSON

I like my porridge.

WILLIAM

That must be because you find it much easier to get down?

MR. ROBINSON

I like the porridge.

WILLIAM

I've been speaking with your doctor, Doctor 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.

MR. ROBINSON

Where's Mary?

WILLIAM

I'll leave you to it, Mr. Robinson. His wife?

DAWN

Died 12 years ago.

WILLIAM

Yes, yes, Mrs. Thomas. Peter Robinson, he's having trouble swallowing. Peter Robinson, Mrs. Thomas, your brother.

[FORK SCRAPING ON PLATE]

DAWN

I managed to get some of that pear you like. I'll remember to use more care. [GIGGLES] Here you go.

Mm, looks great. And another. Let me get that. There you go. You enjoyed that, didn't you?

WILLIAM

Can I have a word, Dawn?

DAWN

Yeah. Just a minute. (QUIETLY) I'll see if I can get you some of that fish pie tomorrow. I know its your favourite. There. There we go.

WILLIAM

That didn't look too bad. He seemed to be swallowing quite a bit of that.

DAWN

Well, I spend my time on it. I know he likes?

WILLIAM

And he doesn't like the dining area?

DAWN

No, he likes his room.

[SQUEAKY DOOR]

WILLIAM

So how long have you been his care giver?

DAWN

Six years.

WILLIAM

And what do you think about the peg?

DAWN

Well it's not that difficult to make his food nice for him is it?

WILLIAM

According to his doctor he is 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?

DAWN

Some people think it's a bit tricky, but we always get along. Could you-- could you pass me that tea towel, please?

WILLIAM

I have to go and write up my report. So if there's anything else that you think is important, it would be really helpful. Give it some thought, eh?

DAWN

What are you going to recommend?

WILLIAM

It's Doctor De Silva's job to decide what's in Mr. Robinson's best interests. What 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 the type up my notes while they're still fresh in my mind?

DAWN

No, that's-- that's fine.

WILLIAM (VOICEOVER)

It was very difficult to get Mr. Robinson's views directly, but Mr. Robinson's caseworker Dawn Azura 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's provided evidence that food has always been an important part of his life.

WOMAN

So what do you think about the peg?

WILLIAM

I think I'm glad 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 into the secrets of what Peter likes to eat and how he likes to eat it.

[MUSIC PLAYING]