Charlie Gard’s parents sought move but no hospital agreed

RELATIONS between Charlie Gard’s parents and Great Ormond Street deteriorated to such an extent that attempts were made to move the baby – but no other hospital would take him.

A lawyer said discussions had taken place with other units to care for Charlie but “unsurprisingly” none wanted to have him. A High Court hearing tomorrow will decide Charlie’s fate.

A judge on Monday gave his parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, from Bedfont, west London, until 2pm today to produce fresh evidence that experimental therapy would improve the quality of his life.

A source close to the family said they were distraught they had been given less than 48 hours to gather the material. “They feel they are being stitched up,” said the source, “they don’t believe it is enough time to get the fresh information together.”

If Mr Justice Francis cannot be persuaded at a hearing due to take place tomorrow, he will order that the ventilator keeping the 11-month-old alive be switched off.

It is not clear whether the parents – should they lose the case – will be allowed to appeal the decision.

During the hearing on Monday, the lawyer for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) said that Charlie’s parents had requested he be moved.

“Charlie’s parents were no longer wanting him to be treated [at GOSH],” said Katie Gollop QC, representing the hospital.

She added: “The hospital has tried to do what it can to find a place of treatment acceptable to the parents. Not surprisingly no other hospital was prepared to take Charlie’s case.”