​East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust v DL & Anor [2023] EWCOP 47

​Hearing to determine what treatment plan should be put in place to feed and hydrate the P.

The P, DL, is currently detained under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 in hospital. She has a mild learning disability, complex PTSD, a dissociative disorder and an Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder at a borderline level. She has a history of violent behaviours towards herself and others, including those caring for her. Since about August 2023 DL has been restricting her intake of nutrition and hydration. Her current intake is incompatible with life. It is accepted by all parties that without intervention DL will die. This hearing was to decide what treatment plan should be put in place to keep DL alive.

The court weighed up all the factors in the balance and declared that providing nutrition and hydration to DL in accordance with a treatment plan and an escalation plan was lawful and in DL’s bests interests. The plan proposed elective admission to a side room on a ward of the hospital, physical restraint to enable IV access and then initial chemical restraint /sedation to a level where DL requires minimal physical restraint. If DL is unable to be safely managed on the ward she will be escalated to ITU. Escalation will require sedation and a PICC line.

Read the full text of the judgment here