Author: Celia Davies

Charlie Gard has a rare genetic mitochondrial illness affecting in particular his brain, muscles, and ability to breathe. In October 2016, within two months of being born, he was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital experiencing lethargy and shallow breathing. In December 2016, Charlie’s mother heard about a new treatment being administered to a child […]

Read More… from Treatment withdrawal: Should a child’s parents or the court decide?

Sir Mark Hedley has given an impressively short judgment approving an unusual settlement of a claim for damages under the Human Rights Act 1998. The claim was brought by CH, a 38-year-old man with Downs Syndrome and an associated learning difficulty. CH married WH in 2010 and they lived together in his parent’s home, enjoying […]

Read More… from Decide for yourself

The worldwide number of people living with dementia in 2015 was estimated at 47 million. By 2030, that figure will reach more than 75 million, and by 2050, more than 135 million[1]. The latter is equivalent to the combined populations of the UK and France with one new case being diagnosed every 3.2 seconds[2]. This […]

Read More… from Peak dementia, peak litigation?

How many of us have thought about making a living will? Living wills — or, more accurately, advance decisions — enable adults with mental capacity to make a decision to refuse treatment if they lose capacity in the future. One of the most common reasons why people lose capacity and require medical treatment is dementia. […]

Read More… from Living wills protect the most vulnerable

In the final part of the sad saga regarding the withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration from a brain injured man in MCS, the Court of Appeal have now made it clear in Director of Legal Aid Casework & Ors v Briggs [2017] EWCA Civ 1169 that seeking an order under section 21A of the […]

Read More… from When to Go to Court/PVS and MCS/Withdrawal of life sustaining treatment – the Briggs appeal