This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-43133434

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Alfie Evans: Sick toddler’s life support ‘can end’ Alfie Evans: Sick toddler’s life support ‘can end’
(35 minutes later)
Doctors can stop providing life-support to toddler Alfie Evans who has a mystery illness against his parents' wishes, the High Court has ruled. Doctors can stop providing life support to toddler Alfie Evans who has a mystery illness against his parents' wishes, the High Court has ruled.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital argued that continuing to treat the 21-month-old from Bootle, Merseyside was "unkind, unfair and inhumane".Alder Hey Children's Hospital argued that continuing to treat the 21-month-old from Bootle, Merseyside was "unkind, unfair and inhumane".
His parents Tom Evans and Kate James had hoped to prolong Alfie's life with treatment at a hospital in Rome.His parents Tom Evans and Kate James had hoped to prolong Alfie's life with treatment at a hospital in Rome.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Mr Justice Hayden said Alfie requires "peace, quiet and privacy".
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. 'Great sadness'
The hospital is set to withdraw ventilation on Friday.
His mother left the court hearing before the ruling while his father broke down as the decision was announced.
The conclusion was delivered after a hearing at Liverpool Civil and Family Court earlier this month was told Alfie was in a "semi-vegetative state".
He has a degenerative neurological condition doctors had not definitively diagnosed, the court heard.
Mr Justice Hayden said he accepted medical evidence which showed further treatment was futile, adding: "Alfie's need now is for good quality palliative care."
Delivering the ruling in the High Court in London, he said he had reached his conclusion with great sadness.
He paid tribute to Alfie's parents and the staff at Alder Hey.
After the decision, Mr Evans said: "I need time to reflect on the judgement."
The family are considering whether to appeal.