Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis must provide dialysis for 85-year-old Al Barnes, at least temporarily, despite the fact that his doctors believe the kidney treatment will do no good. A Hennepin County judge on Thursday ordered the treatment until he can make a final ruling in a dispute over who has authority for medical care of the critically ill patient from Scandia. The case involves an attempt by the St. Louis Park hospital to remove decision-making authority on Barnes' care from his wife, 56-year-old Lana Barnes. A chief concern is whether Barnes will survive until Feb. 2, when court proceedings are to resume.
