The family of a critically ill young father today said “the fight is not over” after a High Court judge upheld a hospital’s decision not to resuscitate him if his heart stops.
Marcus Campbell’s family went to the Royal Courts of Justice to overturn the hospital’s decision, arguing that the 22-year-old patient — who has two daughters aged three and six — deserves a chance. The judge ruled against them, but agreed with their demand that Mr Campbell should be moved to a specialist hospital for treatment.
In a statement, his sister Siobhan Chin said today: “I am ecstatic to announce that the court ordered in the family’s favour in regards to Marcus being treated and moved.
“We have not yet completely won the fight ... and we will continue to reassess what care or treatment is in his best interest.”
Mr Campbell fell ill in July and was diagnosed with a rare brain inflammation, which has left him in a critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Last month the hospital told his family there was nothing more they could do for him and they would not resuscitate him or treat infections he had picked up. His family were furious and, along with about 100 supporters, besieged the hospital in a protest which led to police and security being called in.
The court ruling means Mr Campbell could be moved to another hospital to be treated for infections.
His family has said they want him transferred to Queen’s Square Hospital, which specialises in neurology and brain injuries.
But the hospital’s decision not to resuscitate him if his heart stops beating still stands.
Ms Chin said: “It was decided that Marcus would not be resuscitated (using CPR) due to the various implications and damage it would cause.
“Just two of the implications would be his ribs breaking due to the amount of pressure used to induce CPR considering how brittle Marcus’s bones are.
“Another reason is that his heart will more than likely not start to beat again because his brain simply will not allow it to.
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“We are aware that Marcus is very poorly and not oblivious to the fact that he may die, but we also believe he deserves a chance.” The trust which runs the hospital said it was looking for an alternative hospital.
A spokesman said: “In the last few weeks we have made considerable efforts to locate a suitable bed in another hospital however, to date, none of the hospitals contacted have been able to take him.”
The spokesman added: “We will continue to work with the family and make every effort to find the right place for Marcus.
“However, we can only transfer him if and when an appropriate bed becomes available, and only if it is safe to move him.”
