High Court rules that Court approval not required to withdraw clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH)

An interesting case (NHS v Y [2017] EWHC 2866 (QB), [2017] MHLO 37) has recently been heard in the High Court. The High Court has ruled that Court approval was not required to withdraw clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) from a person who lacks mental capacity and has a prolonged disorder of consciousness, if the family and medical team are in agreement that it is in the person’s best interest to withdraw CANH. This case will soon be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Gail Frankland is a solicitor in the private client team at Barker Gotelee Solicitors.

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