helpline case scenario
A newborn baby boy was struggling to survive. Clinicians felt it
was not in his best interests to continue distressing and painful
medical support, however his parents disagreed.
We were contacted at 5.00 p.m. We advised further discussions
with the parents whilst we obtained telephone statements from the
doctors. As attempts at resolution with the parents failed we
advised the Trust to seek a declaration from the court that the
clinicians need not resuscitate should the baby collapse.
As this was likely to happen soon we prepared for an application
to the judge, out of hours, ensuring access to legal advice for
both the parents and the baby. We asked the high court in London to
call in a judge and established communication links between the
judge, all the legal representatives, and the consultants.
The circumstances were traumatic for those involved, the legal
process adding further strain. We ensured that relations between
the parents and doctors did not break down. With a team of lawyers
liaising with the various parties, we got the matter before a judge
within two hours, by telephone, and obtained the declaration
asked for.