THE HOSPITAL THAT has been caring for terminally ill child Charlie Gard has said that its doctors have been receiving death threats because of the case.
The 11-month-old baby suffers from a rare genetic condition and is on life support but his parents have been locked in a legal battle with Great Ormond Street Hospital about his care.
They are fighting to see the baby avail of an experimental treatment in the US but specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital say it will not help and may cause him pain.
The treatment they seek is not a cure but they say it may prolong his life.
The case has drawn global attention after it was raised by both US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis.
In statement this afternoon, Great Ormond Street said its doctors have received death threats and parents visiting the hospital have been “harassed” because of the case.
“Charlie Gard’s case is a heart-breaking one. We fully understand that there is intense public interest, and that emotions run high,” the hospital said.
However, in recent weeks the GOSH community has been subjected to a shocking and disgraceful tide of hostility and disturbance. Staff have received abuse both in the street and online. Thousands of abusive messages have been sent to doctors and nurses whose life’s work is to care for sick children. Many of these messages are menacing, including death threats.Families have been harassed and discomforted while visiting their children, and we have received complaints of unacceptable behaviour even within the hospital itself.
Great Ormond Street added that is has been in contact with London Metropolitan Police and that it will seek to bring people involved in such “deplorable behaviour” to account.
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