G, Re [2021] EWCOP 69

Judgment regarding best needs and residence of a 27 year old who has been cared for in a children’s hospital since she was 13.

Throughout her life, G had been diagnosed with various conditions including ataxia, microcephaly, osteoporosis and a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. By the time of these proceedings G was 27 but having been admitted to hospital as a 13 year old she had remained there since, being well cared for. Nevertheless all agreed that it is no longer an appropriate place for her to be cared for.    

Hayden J, the Vice President, gave an ex tempore judgment so that plans could be put in place to move G to more suitable accommodation. A particular concern was to balance G’s deteriorating health and her parents desire to care for her at home. He concedes at [35] that there was plainly an argument that  he “should not have permitted the parents' team to argue that it was in G's best interest to return home on a domiciliary package, given that the CCG was unprepared to fund it”.  No agreement as the best way forward could be found, though Hayden J did conclude that G should move to 'A' home but with the objective of her care plan being a move to her parents' care.

Read the judgment on Bailii