Herefordshire Primary Care Trust has issued a statement to clarify reports that suggested a ‘court battle’ took place between the trust and Hannah Jones and her family.
“The primary care trust has known Hannah and her family for some time and cannot comment in detail out of respect for Hannah’s personal confidentiality,” said the trust. “However, we do need to reassure people who may be worried after seeing media reports suggesting a ‘High Court battle’ had taken place. This is not true. Nor has there been any ‘court action, court order, hearing or judgement’. Nor did primary care trust managers attempt to ‘force Hannah to have a heart transplant against her will’. No-one can or would ever be forced to have an operation if they do not wish it.
“In January 2008 the primary care trust did, in good faith, seek legal guidance and the opinion of other professionals regarding Hannah’s ongoing medical treatment and care. A child protection professional met Hannah and, after discussion, established that Hannah had the maturity and experience to make decisions herself about treatment and truly understood the implications. The trust is grateful that Hannah and her family have made this clear themselves. We work to support families to make informed choices about the best possible care and that they understand the full impact of any decision.”
