Charlie Gard’s parents and hospital staff receive threats

HEALTH bosses have called in police after staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) reported being deluged with violent threats and abuse over the case of baby Charlie Gard.

Charlie’s parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, said they are also receiving “nasty and hurtful remarks” daily and said they do not condone any abusive messages to staff at GOSH.

Thousands of abusive messages, including death threats, have been sent to doctors and nurses at Great Ormond Street children’s hospital in London, managers revealed last night. Staff have also been abused in the street, said the hospital. Scotland Yard has been informed and the hospital has warned it will seek the prosecution of anyone threatening its staff.

The abuse comes amid the ongoing controversy over the role of GOSH in the case of baby Charlie, where doctors are seeking permission to turn off the youngster’s life support machine. Charlie’s parents want a judge to rule that their 11-month-old son, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, should be allowed to undergo a therapy trial in New York.

Mary MacLeod, who is chairman of GOSH, said: “Thousands of abusive messages have been sent to doctors and nurses whose life’s work is to care for sick children.”

Mr Justice Francis is scheduled to analyse the most recent evidence at the High Court tomorrow.