Alder Hey Children's Hospital sends condolences to family after death of Alfie Evans

Trust acknowledges that Alfie's case had deeply affected everyone involved

The NHS trust at the centre of a protracted legal battle with parents over the withdrawl of treatment to Alfie Evans has sent its condolences to his family and asked for their privacy, and that of staff, to be respected following his death.  

During the legal battle over withdrawl of life-support from the 23 month old, nurses had been targeted with personal abuse and the hospital saw protests, including an attempt to storm the building during a demonstration attended by 200 people.

 ‘All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them,’ a statement said.

'Barrage of abuse'

Earlier trust chair Sir David Henshaw and chief executive Louise Shepherd defended staff, who looked after Alfie for more than a year.

Sir David said staff had received 'a barrage of abuse' on social media, through emails, phone calls and in person. Merseyside Police is investigating claims that patients and staff were intimidated by protesters.

They acknowledged that the case had deeply affected everyone working at Alder Hey and they shared 'the heartbreak that occurs when a child cannot be cured and when a child dies'.

'Diligent professionalism'

'Our nursing, medical and support staff come into work each day at Alder Hey determined to do the best for our patients and those who care for them,' they wrote.

'Justice Hayden has also commented on the "diligent professionalism of some truly remarkable doctors and the warm and compassionate energy of the nurses whose concern and compassion is almost tangible".'

RCN north west regional director Estephanie Dunn said: 'We recognise that when trusts are in the media spotlight, it can have an impact on the staff involved or within the workplace.’

Members who have been affected can email RCN senior regional officer Ian Fletcher or call 0345 772 6100.

Further information

• Editorial: When trust is lost, no one wins
• Alder Hey nurses face 'unprecedented abuse' over Alfie Evans case