Protesters surrounded a hospital and yelled “murderers” after doctors reportedly told the family of a critically ill young father that he would not be kept alive if his condition worsened.
In extraordinary scenes, police and security guards barred the doors as up to 100 people gathered outside Croydon hospital in response to a social media campaign in support of 22-year-old father-of-two Marcus Campbell.
They chanted “Mayday murderers” — a reference to the hospital’s former name — and demanded that the hospital reverse its decision not to resuscitate him if his heart stops.
Mr Campbell, from Thornton Heath, is in intensive care with a rare brain stem injury. His mother Sandra said she had been told that doctors believed there was nothing further they could do to help him. About 15,000 people have signed a petition opposing the “inhumane” treatment. A further protest is planned for tonight. Hospital chiefs have ordered an “urgent” second opinion on Mr Campbell’s care.
His mother told the Croydon Advertiser: “My son is only 22. He has so many plans for the future. He deserves every chance to live, no matter how small.”
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said in a statement: “This is a heartbreaking time for the family and we want to do more to support them. Our doctors and nurses are continuing to provide around-the-clock care.”
