Alfie Evans update: Why did Alder Hey Hospital remove Alfie's life support?
Mr Justice Hayden today ruled that 23-month-old baby Alfie will not be flown to Italy to receive medical treatment there. In a crushing blow to Alfie’s parents, the Family Division of the High Court in Manchester ruled out the possibility in a last-minute hearing after medics removed Alfie's life support and their toddler continues to breathe unaided. Guardian reporter Josh Halliday who is in court, tweeted: "Alfie Evans family has lost its legal challenge to fly him to Italy for treatment in what judge calls the ‘final chapter in the case of this extraordinary little boy’." Alfie’s parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, have been embroiled in a legal dispute with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for the last year.
This is after doctors there claimed there was “no hope” for him and prolonging his semi-vegetative state was “inhumane”. But in an unlikely turn of events, Alfie has astounded doctors by continuing to survive without breathing apparatus after being taken off a life support machine last night. Mr Evans said in court today that his son was able to fight and breathe by himself so should be allowed to have treatment continued. Why did Alder Hey Hospital remove baby Alfie’s life support? A statement released by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health today sought to shed further light on why hospitals choose to withdraw treatment on certain babies, children and young people in their care.
PA Alfie Evans update: Why did Alder Hey Hospital remove Alfie's life support?
Professor Russel Viner, president of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, stressed while the specifics of Alfie Evans’ case could not be made public because of patient confidentiality it was “important for the public” to know why such decisions “are not made lightly”. He wrote: “In the UK we are fortunate to have a clear and compassionate framework to guide practice which includes three key sets of circumstances when withdrawing life-sustaining treatment may be considered. These are: “If treatment is unable or unlikely to result in the child living much longer. “Where treatment may prolong life but will cause the child unacceptable pain and suffering.
AFP/GETTY Alfie Evans update: Police block protestors at the entrance of Alder Hey Hospital on Monday
AFP/GETTY Alfie Evans update: Alfie at Alder Hey Hospital on April 5, 2018