Wyatt, Re

It is lawful and in Charlotte Wyatt's best interests for the medical team to refrain from intubation and ventilation if her condition deteriorates, as further invasive treatment would be futile and only prolong suffering.

Parties: Subject Child: Charlotte Wyatt; Parent: Mr. Wyatt; Parent: Mrs. Wyatt; Applicant: Hospital Trust
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 23 February 2006
Procedural Posture: Family / Judgment on Medical Treatment Decision
Outcome: Application granted. Medical team permitted to withhold intubation and ventilation if in Charlotte's best interests.
Legal Topics: Best Interests of Child, Withdrawal of Medical Treatment, Parental Responsibility, Court's Jurisdiction Over Medical Decisions

Family Law Medical Law Best Interests of Child Withdrawal of Medical Treatment Parental Responsibility Court's Jurisdiction Over Medical Decisions

Case Brief

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Parties

Charlotte Wyatt

Subject Child

Mr. Wyatt

Parent

Mrs. Wyatt

Parent

Hospital Trust

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Family / Judgment on Medical Treatment Decision

Legal Issues

1 Whether it is in the best interests of Charlotte Wyatt to withhold intubation and ventilation if her condition deteriorates
2 Whether the medical team should be permitted to refrain from further invasive treatment

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Application granted. Medical team permitted to withhold intubation and ventilation if in Charlotte's best interests.

Orders

Medical team may lawfully refrain from intubation and ventilation if Charlotte's condition deteriorates and they judge it not in her best interests.
CPAP and all necessary parallel care to continue; palliative care to be provided if appropriate.