The high court has rejected an application by the family of Archie Battersbee to allow him to die “with dignity” in a hospice rather than a hospital after hearing evidence that the risks of transferring the 12-year-old were “major and unpredictable”.
“I am satisfied that when looking at the balancing exercise again his best interests remain … that he should remain at the hospital when treatment is withdrawn,”“The circumstances outlined by Dr F of the physical arrangements at the hospital and the arrangements that can be made will ensure that Archie’s best interest will remain the focus of the final arrangements to enable him peacefully and privately to die in the embrace of the family he loved.
Outlining her decision not to grant the application for expert assessment, Theis said that the court had heard evidence from Dr F “the treating specialist who has detailed knowledge of Archie’s current position” and that Dr R had not worked in a paediatric intensive care unit since 2008. During Thursday’s hearing, the court heard from Ms C, Archie’s brother’s fiancee. She said that the family believed Archie would not die with peace and dignity if his treatment was withdrawn at the hospital, partly due to a breakdown in trust. By contrast, she said the hospice would offer a more peaceful setting, had better facilities to accommodate the family, and Archie would be able to stay there for longer after his death than at the hospital.
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