— The trust sought a declaration under the inherent jurisdiction that it would be lawful not to treat a s37/41 patient in Rampton for diabetes even if that led to his physical decline and premature death. The High Court decided that: (1) the refusal to engage with the treatment plan, and the resultant end-stage complications of diabetes, were manifestations of the patient's severe personality disorder, despite his capacity to make the unwise decisions, so treatment for diabetes would be medical treatment for mental disorder within the meaning of s63 MHA 1983; (2) it would be lawful not to impose treatment as the restraint required would raise blood pressure and risk serious complications; (3) any future urgent treatment immediately necessary to save life would have to be considered separately by the clinicians at the time.
Full details available at: https://www.mentalhealthlaw.co.uk/Nottinghamshire_Healthcare_NHS_Foundation_Trust_v_MC_(2025)_EWHC_920_(Fam)?id=120525-0910