Carnforth doctor brands Morecambe MP's 'uninformed criticism' of colleague 'shocking'

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris told the Daily Mail that a video by GP Dr Andy Knox giving people advice on coronavirus was "irresponsible", while Conservative colleague County Coun Charlie Edwards called for him to resign.
Dr Andy KnoxDr Andy Knox
Dr Andy Knox

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.

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The 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."

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He 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.

MP David MorrisMP David Morris
MP David Morris

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".

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He 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."

County Coun Charlie EdwardsCounty Coun Charlie Edwards
County Coun Charlie Edwards

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.

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But 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.

Dr David WrigleyDr David Wrigley
Dr David Wrigley

"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.

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"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.