Parents agree to baby’s treatment

A three-month-old baby suffering from
Goldenhar syndrome must remain in the care of medical staff at
Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary “for the time being”, following
a ruling by a high court judge.

The ruling is the first step in resolving the
legal and ethical storm over the baby that has embroiled medical
staff, social workers and the police.

The baby – who is facially disfigured after
being born with the rare condition – was brought to the Newcastle
hospital two weeks ago and since then has been the subject of a
72-hour police protection order, a 24-hour interim care order
granted by Newcastle magistrates, and now a further interim care
order by high court judge Mr Justice Bodey.

The police protection order and initial care
order were taken out by social workers, hospital staff and the
police following child protection concerns when it became clear the
parents did not agree with specialist doctors’ recommendations that
the baby would need treatment for respiratory difficulties,
including a tracheotomy.

But following the referral of the case to the
high court in Leeds, Mr Justice Bodey’s ruling said: “Happily,
complete agreement has been reached between all parties during the
course of the day, pursuant to which [the baby] will remain for the
time being at the RVI and will have the immediate medical treatment
which she requires.”