Judge orders independent medical evaluation of ailing singer following son's concerns over her treatment
A judge has ordered Etta James to undergo an independent medical evaluation, following claims by her son that the ailing singer is in "very serious danger" because of her current medical care. The court expressed concern at the decision of James's live-in physician, Dr Elaine James, to put feeding tubes into the singer's stomach without first bringing her to hospital.
Etta James, 72, suffers from leukaemia, Alzheimer's and kidney problems, among other health issues. Her family is presently locked in a legal battle, primarily between the singer's son, Donto James, and her husband of 40 years, Artis Mills, who is currently running her affairs. Three years ago, Etta James reportedly signed a deed giving power of attorney to Donto and his siblings, but Mills claims his wife was not of sound mind when she drew up this document.
About a year ago, Mills hired Dr Elaine James, who is no relation to the family, to serve as his wife's live-in doctor. She is paid about $20,000 (�12,422) per month, California's Press Enterprise newspaper reports. "[I] have grave concerns about the circumstances surrounding Dr Elaine James giving up her other work and moving into my mother's home," Donto said.
In his ruling, superior court judge Thomas Cahraman agreed that an investigator's report does "raise significant questions" into Dr James's performance. The physician "inappropriately performed a medical procedure that should have been performed in a hospital", he wrote, ordering independent physicians to examine the singer and review her doctor's medical charts.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Dr James said she welcomed outside examiners. "[The judge] can have 10 examiners, he can have 20 physicians to come in that house to perform the duties I do," she said. "I have a list of 23 medical sub-specialties that I have had to treat [Etta] for. She is not an easy patient."
Litigation over Etta James's financial assets, valued at over $1m (�621,000), is ongoing.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/feb/28/etta-james-court-ordered-medical-exam
Jennifer Gimenez Katie Cassidy Estella Warren Cinthia Moura Monica Potter
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