Mrs White (pseudonym) is an 80yrs old widower. She has been admitted and scheduled for surgical repair of a fractured Left humerus - an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Mrs White has early stage dementia and is currently confused. She is not able to understand what has happened to her left arm and is unable to comprehend that she is to have surgery. Her daughter Laura has consented for her mother to have the surgery. Mrs White. has been Nil by Mouth (NBM) since 0600hrs on the day of surgery and has been through the ward preoperative checklist. Her RN, the student nurse and Laura take Mrs White. to the theatre at 10.00 and the theatre nurse undertakes the preoperative checklist. On checking the consent form, she notes Mrs W's daughter Laura has consented to the surgery. The theatre nurse asks Laura if she has Enduring Power of Attorney for her mother. Laura is surprised and says 'no'. Can the surgery for Mrs W. proceeed?
It is proposed that the surgery goes ahead.