Wife wins life support case
IN a well-publicised decision, the Court of Protection has ruled that life-sustaining treatment can be withdrawn from a Merseyside police officer and British War Veteran.
Paul Briggs, 43, suffered a severe brain injury in a motorbike crash while working as a police officer in Merseyside in July 2015.
He has been in a minimally conscious state in hospital for 17 months.
His family brought proceedings in the Court of Protection so that the medical treatment he is receiving can be withdrawn, as it was their position that Mr Briggs would not have wanted to continue receiving medical treatment in his current condition.
Unfortunately Mr Briggs had not put in place any form of advance directive regarding medical treatment or put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney in relation to his health and welfare.
Mr Justice Charles, hearing the case at the Court of Protection, ruled in favour of the family stating that it would not be in Mr Brigg’s best interests for his medical treatment to continue and, therefore, should be withdrawn with palliative care put in place.
The Official Solicitor, acting on behalf of Mr Briggs, decided not to appeal the decision.
Commenting on the case, Ormskirk solicitor Michael Prendergast said: “The unfortunate and difficult circumstances of this case highlight the importance of discussing your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment with your family and, more importantly, the need to put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney so that if the worst happens your family have the authority to make these types of difficult decisions on your behalf.”
Most people in England and Wales do not have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place and think that they only apply to elderly people.
However, Mr Prendergast said: “Everybody who can, should put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney in relation to their finances and their welfare.
“Often the cost of doing so can put people off but it should be viewed as an insurance policy.”