Skype in the Court of Protection

• Mostyn J hears trial concerning withdrawal of life sustaining treatment with five parties and at least 20 participants over Skype for Business.

Back in the heady days of December 2019, before the world ground to a halt, Keehan J presided over a directions hearing in a serious medical treatment application brought by a clinical commissioning group (CCG). A dispute had arisen as to whether or not it was in the best interests of A, a man in his 70s who had suffered a stroke in 2016, to continue to receive clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH). A’s daughter believes CANH should be removed; his GP thinks it should stay in place. A is not in a prolonged disorder of consciousness: despite significant impairment, he communicates with those caring for him in gestures and occasional words, and enjoys seeing animals and children, and hearing