Mrs Z suffered a terminal disease, and sought to travel to Switzerland supported and assisted by her husband, so that she could terminate her life. She appealed an injunction obtained by the authority to prevent her leaving.
Held: The authority had been supporting her. When circumstances came to their attention suggesting she had made a decision seriously against her interests, it was proper for them to investigate, and if appropriate report their concerns to the police. Though she was a vulnerable adult under the statutes, Mrs Z had full capacity, and it was not for them to intervene in this way. Mr Z might be putting himself at risk of a prosecution uunder the 1961 Act. The power to seek an injunction to prevent criminal activity did vest in a local authority, but the jurisdiction should be exercised only with the greatest caution. The authority had had no duty to apply for an injunction, and it was discharged.
Hedley J
[2004] EWHC 2817 (Fam), Times 09-Dec-2004, [2005] 3 All ER 280, [2005] 1 WLR 959, [2005] 1 FLR 740, [2005] 2 FCR 256, (2005) 84 BMLR 160, (2005) 8 CCL Rep 146
Bailii
National Assistance Act 1948 29, National Health Service Act 1977, National Health and Community Care Act 1990, Suicide Act 1961 291), Local Government Act 1972 8222
England and Wales
Citing:
Cited – Regina (Burke) v General Medical Council Admn 30-Jul-2004
The applicant, suffering a life threatening disease, wanted to ensure his continued treatment and revival in the circumstance of losing his own capacity. He said the respondent’s guidelines for doctors were discriminatory and failed to protect his . .
Cited – In re B (Consent to treatment: Capacity) FD 22-Mar-2002
The claimant had suffered catastrophic injuries, leaving her unable to breathe without artificial help. She eventually decided that she wanted to refuse treatment. The health authority took this as an indication of lack of capacity, and refused to . .
Cited – Airedale NHS Trust v Bland HL 4-Feb-1993
Procedures on Withdrawal of Life Support Treatment
The patient had been severely injured in the Hillsborough disaster, and had come to be in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The doctors sought permission to withdraw medical treatment. The Official Solicitor appealed against an order of the Court . .
Cited – Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers HL 26-Jul-1977
The claimant sought an injunction to prevent the respondent Trades Union calling on its members to boycott mail to South Africa. The respondents challenged the ability of the court to make such an order.
Held: The wide wording of the statute . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Local Government, Health
Updated: 26 January 2022; Ref: scu.221442