After the Council of State’s decision concerning little Marwa, the management of the AP-HM supports the nursing staff who are facing an “unprecedented situation”.
The management of the Timone hospital where little Marwa is hospitalized “takes note of the decision of the Council of State” and ensures that she “will continue to take care of the child”. In a press release published this Thursday, March 9, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille reiterated its support for nursing staff “who, faced with this unprecedented situation, its repercussions in the media and via social networks, were particularly affected and experienced ”.
Since November 2016, a standoff has started between doctors and the family. The 15-month-old girl was hospitalized in September 2016 after suffering from a devastating infection that plunged her into a coma. An altered state of consciousness from which she emerges in November. However, a few days before this unexpected awakening, the doctors had unanimously decided to disconnect the respiratory system which kept her alive. The medical team was convinced – and still is today – that the little girl would have serious disabilities, due to neurological damage.
Parents fiercely opposed to the cessation of treatment then seized the administrative court which had mandated 3 experts, two neurologists and a pediatric neurologist. Although the latter confirmed the neurological lesions and assured that Marwa would be suffering from an “irreversible” handicap, they refused to settle “this ethical dilemma”. The court then ordered the medical team to maintain care.
The decision of the Council of State is final
A decision challenged by the direction of Public Assistance – Hospitals of Marseille (AP – HM) which seized the Council of State in early February. The hearing was held behind closed doors on March 2. And after deliberation, the summary judge rejected the appeal of the Marseille establishment. The magistrate considered that “the continuation of the treatments, in the circumstances of the case, did not characterize an unreasonable obstinacy”. This decision is final, no appeal is possible.
The doctors of the intensive care unit of the Marseille hospital are therefore required to continue the care of little Marwa. The management of the establishment also wished to recall that they “have never ceased to ensure with professionalism and dedication the care of all the patients entrusted to them”.
The AP-HM now hopes that “the medical and nursing teams can continue to carry out their missions in a climate of calm, confidence and serenity. “
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