Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust v J (a Minor) & Ors

Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust v J (a Minor) & Ors

It is not in J's best interests to continue airway manoeuvres (chin lifts and jaw thrusts) or to provide further invasive or intensive interventions, as these are painful, burdensome, and futile, offering no prospect of improvement and only prolonging suffering. The professional consensus, supported by independent palliative care review, is clear and compelling. J's dignity and right to be valued and respected require that such interventions cease.

Parties
Applicant: Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; First Respondent: J (a Minor); Second Respondent: M; Third Respondent: F; Fourth Respondent: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Originating Summons (family Division) / Final Judgment on Application for Declarations Regarding Best Interests Medical Treatment
Outcome
Declarations granted in favour of the Applicant; application allowed.
Legal Topics
Best Interests, Withdrawal of Medical Treatment, Palliative Care, Gillick Competence, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Medical Law Child Law Best Interests Withdrawal of Medical Treatment Palliative Care Gillick Competence Parental Responsibility

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Parties

Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Applicant

J (a Minor)

First Respondent

M

Second Respondent

F

Third Respondent

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Fourth Respondent

Procedural Posture

Originating Summons (family Division) / Final Judgment on Application for Declarations Regarding Best Interests Medical Treatment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether it is in J's best interests to receive airway manoeuvres (chin lifts and jaw thrusts)
  2. 2 Whether further invasive or intensive interventions should be provided
  3. 3 Whether J's wishes and feelings have been adequately ascertained or can be ascertained

Ratio Decidendi

It is not in J's best interests to continue airway manoeuvres (chin lifts and jaw thrusts) or to provide further invasive or intensive interventions, as these are painful, burdensome, and futile, offering no prospect of improvement and only prolonging suffering. The professional consensus, supported by independent palliative care review, is clear and compelling. J's dignity and right to be valued and respected require that such interventions cease.

Court Disposition

Declarations granted in favour of the Applicant; application allowed.

Orders

  • It is declared not in J's best interests to receive airway manoeuvres (chin lifts and jaw thrusts).
  • It is declared not in J's best interests to receive further invasive or intensive interventions, including replacement of DBS, CPR, intubation, ventilation, or admission to PICU for other than palliative care.