Parents of brain-injured boy lose appeal over control of his medical treatment

The court's orders and declarations are to be reviewed in three months' time

While affirming High Court findings of a failure of parental duty warranting court intervention, the court said it will vary the High Court orders concerning John’s treatment so as to maximise his parents’ involvement in the treatment and to ensure certain measures will only happen if certain situations arise. File photo

An appeal by the parents of a boy with permanent devastating brain injuries aimed at ensuring they, rather than his treating hospital, have control over his medical treatment has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

The court’s orders, subject to review in three months, include ones permitting the hospital to withhold mechanical ventilation from the boy, a ward of court referred to as John, in certain circumstances.