Court will rule over life-saving treatment

A COURT is being asked to rule whether a man from Greater Manchester in a vegetative state should receive life–saving treatment if his condition deteriorates.

The case of patient “L”, due to be heard next week, arose from a disagreement between the severely brain–damaged man’s family and the Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust.

The Trust believes it would not be in the man’s best interests to offer him ventilation or resuscitation if there was “a life–threatening event”, Mr Justice Ryder said.

“L’s family do not agree with the trust’s position and wish all possible life–saving medical care to be provided.”

The case, which comes before the Court of Protection in London next Monday, raises serious issues and should be heard in public, the judge said.

Court orders prevent the identification of L, his family members, the hospital treating him and the doctors looking after him.

Doctors will attempt resuscitation in the run up to the court decision

The court heard the patient could live for a considerable time — months or longer.


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