Judge calls for open minds in appeal over brain-injured boy s medical treatment
The hospital says the boy has no hope of making any meaningful recovery from catastrophic injuries sustained in a road accident last summer.
Last month, High Court president Ms Justice Mary Irvine concluded there had been a failure of duty by the parents and their love for John had blinded them to the reality of his condition.
Tue, 15 Dec, 2020 - 19:27
Ann O’Loughlin
A Supreme Court judge has urged all involved in an appeal by the parents of a profoundly brain-injured boy over his medical treatment to listen to each other with “open minds and open hearts”.
Updated / Tuesday, 15 Dec 2020
17:37
Mr Justice Donal O Donnell urged all involved to listen to each other with open minds and hearts
The Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal by the parents of a profoundly brain-injured boy over his medical treatment.
The appeal is against the decision of the High Court which ruled the hospital is entitled to withhold invasive interventions and administer palliative care if the boy s condition substantially deteriorates.
On the first day of the Supreme Court appeal, Mr Justice Donal O Donnell urged all involved to listen to each other with open minds and hearts .
The boy, named only as John was injured in a car crash earlier this year. His parents had opposed the court orders and wanted him to receive all treatment to prolong his life regardless of the side effects.