A thread about today's hearing on life-sustaining treatment before Mr. Justice Cobb in the Court of Protection. #NotSecretCourt
A man in his 50s, NK, is in the Intensive Care Unit. He went into hospital on 29th June 2021 with pneumonia.
A man in his 50s, NK, is in the Intensive Care Unit. He went into hospital on 29th June 2021 with pneumonia.
He got worse and on 5th July had a cardiac arrest.
He received cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for at least 12 mins.
Brain injury after CPR is very common. thelancet.com/journals/lance…
He received cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for at least 12 mins.
Brain injury after CPR is very common. thelancet.com/journals/lance…
After CPR, he was sedated, intubated, ventilated + moved to ICU.
Scans show a very significant hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.
The unanimous view of the treating team is that he's now in a Permanent Vegetative State.
Scans show a very significant hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.
The unanimous view of the treating team is that he's now in a Permanent Vegetative State.
The applicant Trust (represented by @sutton_es) has applied for a declaration that NK lacks capacity to make his own decisions about his medical treatment and that it is not in his best interests to continue to receive life-sustaining treatment, incl. ventilatory support.
But NK's loving and devoted family oppose removal of ventilation + CANH
They are hoping for a 'miracle'.
So the Trust got an independent second opinion from a a leading expert.
He confirmed the diagnosis and conclusions of the treating team.
They are hoping for a 'miracle'.
So the Trust got an independent second opinion from a a leading expert.
He confirmed the diagnosis and conclusions of the treating team.
Since the family and the doctors cannot agree on NK's best interests, the Trust applied to court.
The Official Solicitor (Nageena Khalique) is there to represent NK's best interests. She has not yet come to a settled view as to what is best for NK.
The Official Solicitor (Nageena Khalique) is there to represent NK's best interests. She has not yet come to a settled view as to what is best for NK.
Lawyer for the family is Simon McKay.
The family don't accept the view of the clinical team or independent expert + want to instruct their own dr to report to the court.
Judge clear that dr appointed must be qualified PDOC assessor. (see Annex 2b)
rcplondon.ac.uk/guidelines-pol…
The family don't accept the view of the clinical team or independent expert + want to instruct their own dr to report to the court.
Judge clear that dr appointed must be qualified PDOC assessor. (see Annex 2b)
rcplondon.ac.uk/guidelines-pol…
Arrangements were made for expert report, communication between experts, advocates' meeting etc.
A final hearing is planned, over 2 days, in week beginning 1st November 2021.
If you're interested in law + ethics of treatment withdrawal, this will be a good hearing to watch.
A final hearing is planned, over 2 days, in week beginning 1st November 2021.
If you're interested in law + ethics of treatment withdrawal, this will be a good hearing to watch.
In closing this case management hearing, Cobb J sympathised with the "extraordinarily difficult situation" family are in + wondered whether the hearing was a "terrible distraction" or "a comfort that there is this forum where everyone has the opportunity to express their views"
I'd recommend watching the final hearing.
You'll see a courteous, empathetic and careful judge.
Very experienced counsel - incl. @sutton_es who is clear, succinct, and thorough.
And possibly doctors giving expert witness + cross-examination.
You'll see a courteous, empathetic and careful judge.
Very experienced counsel - incl. @sutton_es who is clear, succinct, and thorough.
And possibly doctors giving expert witness + cross-examination.
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