Child T suffered life threatening and incpacitating damage after birth after a sudden acute cardio-respiratory deterioration and required mechanical ventilation. The parents, accepting the medical reports did not agree to the withdrawal of ventilation systems which would lead to his death, and ‘The only sensation that he is capable of responding to seems to be pain and the deep suction several times a day produces that reaction. This repeated suction is therefore both invasive and painful.’
Held: ‘the mechanical ventilation is only just sustaining life with no other benefit. When I consider his best interests holistically, the life support confers little benefit as it prolongs all the likely discomfort and possible pain and increases the probability of further infection leading to further invasive treatment and complications which will itself contribute to further physical deterioration without any real hope of restoring his health. His brain injuries are so profound, so catastrophic and the likelihood of further deterioration to his brain from hydrocephalus and the probability of lung infection and injury with continued ventilation all add to the conclusion that on balance not only is there no benefit, but in fact there is a strong probability of further pain, suffering and deterioration. Very sadly and with great reluctance I grant permission to withdraw the mechanically assisted ventilation.’
Russell J
[2014] EWHC 3315 (Fam)
Bailii
England and Wales
Family, Health
Updated: 26 January 2022; Ref: scu.537591