Alfie Evans health update LIVE: Baby Alfie set to be taken to Italy as air ambulance lands
The 23-month-old toddler suffering a degenerative neurological disorder was taken off of life support on Monday night following a High Court Decision which entrusted Alder Hey Children’s Hospital wth the decision. Doctors involved in the case have agreed Alfie’s condition is beyond help and keeping the boy on ventilator is prolonging his suffering in an “inhumane” fashion. Alfie’s parents, Tom Evans and Kate James have challenged the decision in a slew of legal challenges and bitter battles to little avail. Mr Evans argued today his brave little son was still fighting on and breathing on his own. One last glimmer of hope arrived in the form of Italian citizenship, granted to Alfie in a bid to transfer him to Rome's Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital. An emergency hearing in the Family Divisions of the High Court this afternoon in Manchester was held today at 3.30pm, to decide the fate of the boy.
4.40pm: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health issues statement Professor Russel Viner, president of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has issued a statement on Alfie’s case. He said: “The Alfie Evans case is extremely difficult for all involved; heartbreaking for his parents and emotionally challenging for the doctors and nurses involved in treating and caring for him. “As healthcare professionals involved in the care of babies, children and young people, the priority has to be the child. Every action and decisions is taken in the best interests of the child, and decisions on care, including the withdrawal of treatment, are always made with the involvement of parents. “We can’t comment on the specifics of the case – only the medical team treating Alfie, and the legal team, will know the exact details and they are bound by patient confidentiality. “However, we feel it is important for the public to know that decisions to withhold or withdraw treatment from a child are not made lightly. 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. “If an older child with a life limiting illness repeatedly makes it clear they do not want treatment and this decision is supported by their parents and doctors. “Decisions on whether to withdraw treatment from a child are unfortunately ones that need to be made frequently. The model is always for doctors to work closely with parents to agree on the best course of action for the child. In the vast majority of cases an equal decision is made to withdraw treatment and it is rare that there is disagreement. The cases where this is a significant difference in view are the ones that grab the media headlines. “In difficult situations such as these, and amongst the plethora of voices and opinions, it is important that the public know how such decisions are made.”
TWITTER Alfie Evans update: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health issued a statement
4.20pm: Alfie Evans lifeline extended with helicopter ready for takeoff to Italy One last chance to save the little bot presented itself after a medical helicopter arrived outside Alder Hey hospital this afternoon ready to takeoff to Italy. The boy’s life support was switched off tonight, and Mr Evans was concerned his son would not last many more hours without the aid of ventilators. On Facebook, Alfie's mum Kate James said today: "Alfie has been allowed oxygen and water. How amazing is he. "No matter what happens he has already proved these doctors wrong." Whether or not Alfie is allowed to leave to Italy will be decided at the High Court, and Mr Evans further expects a decision from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the EU.
PA Alfie Evans updates: The boy's parents are hoping to take Alfie to Italy for treatment
PA Alfie Evans update: An emergency High Court hearing was called at 3.30pm today
3.30pm: Emergency High Court hearing starts in Alfie Evans case Alfie’s parents were expected to arrive in Manchester today after an emergency hearing was granted in the Family Divisions of the High Court this afternoon. Presiding over the hearing was Mr Justice Fayden. 9am: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital releases statement on Alfie Evan’s status After Alfie’s life support systems were shut down, the hospital released a final statement on the boy’s condition. The hospital said: “We wish to reassure patients and families attending Alder Hey hospital today that we are operating as usual and that, although you will see a police presence, the hospital is calm. “Please attend your appointment as normal. “Our Emergency Department is still open, however only attend if you have an accident or emergency that requires urgent care.
Alfie Evans in pictures: Heartbreaking photos of Alfie in hospital Tue, April 24, 2018 Alfie has a degenerative neurological condition which has not been definitively diagnosed after being born in a "semi-vegetative" state. Play slideshow Facebook 1 of 12 Alfie Evans pictured in hospital with his mother