A “remarkable” four-year-old child, who was predicted to pass away shortly after the cessation of his life support, has “overturned all medical predictions.”
The young boy, referred to as NR, was born with a severe brain abnormality and had spent several months in an intensive care unit following two cardiac arrests.
In April, Mr. Justice Poole determined that life-sustaining ventilation was not in the child’s best interest, following a High Court request from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
However, the boy “has not only endured but has shown improvement” after his ventilator was removed over four months ago, as noted by the judge in a ruling made in September.
NR is now breathing independently, according to the judge.
“The assumptions that NR could not receive care at home and would not survive long after extubation have not come to pass,” he elaborated.
In his ruling, Mr. Justice Poole revoked declarations that would have permitted medical professionals to withhold CPR or deny certain treatments.
He noted that when some treatment directives were established in January of this year, NR was “burdened by many more challenges” and there was “scant evidence that he could find joy in life, apart from the comforting presence of his parents.”
Nevertheless, the judge remarked: “Now, he can venture outside, such as to the park.
“He can savor the sunshine on his face and the gentle breeze in his hair. He is residing in a nurturing home environment.”
He expressed it was a “joy” to view photographs of the boy happily at home with his “dedicated” parents.
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Child possesses a ‘strong’ will to live, mother asserts
The mother of the boy conveyed to the High Court in a statement that her son’s determination to live is “strong” and that he enjoys a fulfilling life.
She stated: “NR persevered when the medical staff who cared for him for months believed he could not… NR has earned a fresh beginning, and he merits it.”
