Doctor said highly likely that Neon Roberts would die withiin relatively short period’ without further surgery, but mother wanted more expert advice
Brian Farmer
A High Court judge today said a seven-year-old boy at the centre of a legal dispute over cancer treatment could undergo more surgery.
Neon Roberts has had surgery on a brain tumour, Mr Justice Bodey was told at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.
Doctors say he needs another operation but his mother Sally, 37, of Brighton, East Sussex, would not consent, the judge heard.
Mr Justice Bodey ruled, after hearing evidence, that surgeons should operate.
Ms Roberts had told the court she wanted opinions from more doctors before proceeding with further surgery, adding: “I feel I need more expert opinion on it before proceeding.”
But a doctor treating Neon said a scan showed more surgery needed to be carried out “urgently”.
He said tests had shown there was “residual tumour” left behind after the first operation.
And he said a second doctor agreed with his analysis.
The doctor said the tumour could spread without surgery.
And he said it was “highly likely” that Neon would die within a “relatively short period” without further treatment.
The judge has also been asked to rule on whether Neon should undergo radiotherapy treatment following surgery.
Ms Roberts objects to Neon having radiotherapy treatment and says she fears that Neon will suffer long-term harm.
Doctors say he might die within months without radiotherapy treatment.
Mr Justice Bodey is expected to hear more argument on the radiotherapy issue at the High Court on Thursday after being updated on Neon’s progress.
PA
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