Charlie Gard’s mother has spoken out about her support for the parents of ill baby Indi Gregory as they fight to continue her treatment. A High Court judge on Friday began overseeing a preliminary private hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London after hospital bosses asked him to decide what moves were in the best interests of six-month-old Indi Gregory.
“I would understand if Indi was brain dead, or close to brain dead, but she’s nowhere near. When she’s not battling an infection, she has a good quality of life. I have PTSD from Charlie’s court case and I hate to think of anyone else having to go through the trauma of it all.” The judge was told that Indi’s mother, Claire Staniforth, was with the little girl at hospital. Bosses at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who have responsibility for Indi’s care, have asked the judge to make decisions and begun litigation.
Ms Sutton said Indi has a “devastating neurometabolic disorder” which is “exceptionally rare”. “Indi’s case is extremely complex and … her care must be seen in the context of her known prognosis, which has metabolic, neurological and cardiological aspects, as well as her overall stability. Ms Sutton continued: “In this case, the trust submit that a ceiling of care is appropriate and that further forms of aggressive and invasive treatment are not in Indi’s best interests, whilst recognising that this would likely result in the shortening of her life. Although tragic, the trust say that the medical evidence is clear and is supported by second opinion evidence.
Mr Gregory was not represented by lawyers at the hearing. The judge said he should be given time to find legal representation and aimed to reconsider the case on September 27.