Carnforth doctor brands Morecambe MP's 'uninformed criticism' of colleague 'shocking'
In turn, Dr David Wrigley, a GP at Ashtrees Surgery in Carnforth, and a colleague of Dr Knox, said the politicians should "put your energy into finding adequate protective equipment for us or adequate testing for health care workers", and described the comments as "shocking".
In the video "A Difficult Conversation about COVID-19" on Dr Knox's website Reimagining Health, he discusses how families might deal with family members or loved ones testing positive or falling ill as a result of COVID-19.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe subject matter is difficult, but Dr Knox aims to navigate decisions that families would need to make if members get sick, and, potentially, die.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust have announced the deaths of 12 people who tested positive for COVID-19 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary since March 27.
Dr Knox, who is also director of population for Morecambe Bay, said: "The reality is that many people in our community will still get this virus, and some of us will get very unwell.
"There are some of us within our communities that are very high risk, and over the next few weeks if you're one of those people, your GP is going to be in contact with you about care planning."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe goes on to outline what people might want to think about, and that there needs to be an "upfront and honest" conversation about what people's wishes might be if they get ill.
These include whether patients would want to be admitted to hospital, or be cared for at home, who would make decisions on their behalf, and whether they would want to be put on a ventilator, or be resuscitated if their heart stops.
He said in the video that this was not an attempt to "coerce" people or withhold any care, and said that the NHS would work to ensure that all wishes are met.
But Mr Morris, who represents Morecambe and Lunesdale, described the video as "irresponsible".
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe told the Daily Mail: "This film is highly irresponsible because it gives the impression that if people get coronavirus they should not fight it, just accept their fate."
Lancashire County Councillor Charlie Edwards, who represents Morecambe South, told the Daily Mail that a young 'high-risk category' Morecambe resident told him they 'felt suicidal' after watching the film.
He told the newspaper that "they thought it was saying that if they get the virus they will be a burden to the NHS and forfeit a hospital bed."
He also called for Dr Knox to resign, according to the Daily Mail.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut Dr David Wrigley spoke out in support of Dr Knox in a statement on social media on Thursday April 2: "Andy is my GP partner and I couldn’t be prouder to call him a friend and colleague.
"Today my local Conservative MP - David Morris - and a local Conservative Councillor - Charlie Edwards - went to the Daily Mail to say Andy should be sacked for making this video about end of life issues during this pandemic.
"For an MP and councillor to do this is truly shocking.
"There is no understanding of what we are dealing with day to day.
"This is a national crisis and we desperately need the support of politicians - not their uninformed criticism in a gutter tabloid.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"Mr Morris / Mr Edwards - why not put your energy into finding adequate protective equipment for us or adequate testing for health care workers.
"Come and speak to us and see what we need locally to deal with this crisis.
"Do something proactive and helpful please.
"Andy - you are such a kind and caring person and you have my utmost respect. We have your back."
Both Mr Morris and Coun Edwards have been contacted for further comment.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.