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Muslim man in court case no longer in 'vegetative state' | Muslim man in court case no longer in 'vegetative state' |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A Muslim man at the centre of a right-to-live court battle is no longer in a persistent vegetative state, London's High Court has heard. | A Muslim man at the centre of a right-to-live court battle is no longer in a persistent vegetative state, London's High Court has heard. |
A QC for the family of "Mr L" from Greater Manchester told the judge new video evidence has been seen by an independent expert in neurology. | A QC for the family of "Mr L" from Greater Manchester told the judge new video evidence has been seen by an independent expert in neurology. |
The family of the 55-year-old man say he would want to be revived, due to his faith, if his condition deteriorated. | The family of the 55-year-old man say he would want to be revived, due to his faith, if his condition deteriorated. |
Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust does not want to treat the man if he worsens. | Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust does not want to treat the man if he worsens. |
Dr Peter Newman, a neurology specialist, was expected to support the trust's application for a declaration that it would not be in Mr L's best interests to offer him ventilation or resuscitation if there is "a life-threatening event". | |
However, on Wednesday night the family visited Mr L with a trust doctor, the family's QC Jenni Richards told Mr Justice Moylan. | |
Although not a neurologist, the doctor produced overnight a statement in which he accepted there was a "closing of eyes and grimacing" when Mr L's eyes were cleaned which was filmed. | |
'Further improvement possible' | |
Ms Richards told the court: "That video footage was viewed this morning by Dr Newman and Dr Newman's view... was that Mr L was no longer in a persistent vegetative state." | |
Claire Watson, appearing for the trust, said that "clearly there has been a change in the diagnosis" which Dr Newman "has communicated to us this morning". | |
But it had not yet been possible "to obtain a definitive view from the treating clinicians at the hospital whether or not that will alter their care plan for L". | |
She added Dr Newman described his condition as "most likely in a minimally conscious state" and added that indicated that "further improvement is possible" for Mr L. | |
Solicitor Helen Lewis said on behalf of Mr L's family outside the court: "The family are pleased that the responses from L which they have witnessed have now been accepted in evidence by an independent expert. | |
"The trust's clinicians now need to reassess the position in the light of the latest developments." | |
Patient L suffered severe brain damage in July following a third cardiac arrest and his medical team stated he is now in a persistent vegetative state. | |
Doctors had said he would have "minimal prospects of improving neurological function" and no "meaningful quality of life" if treatment were given. | |
The trust is seeking a declaration that it would not be in Mr L's best interests to offer him ventilation or resuscitation if there is "a life-threatening event". | |
The family said "life is sacred" and everything must be done to prolong life "until God takes it away" according to their religion. | |
The case continues. | The case continues. |