A senior nurse has explained the difficulties medics face when deciding on transferring terminally-ill people from hospitals to hospices.

Helen Rolls was speaking after the death of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee, who passed away on Saturday after a legal battle to keep him alive.

The youngster had been in a coma since he was found unconscious by his mother Hollie Dance in April.

Staff at St Barts Hospital in London had Archie on a ventilator and drugs but felt he had no chance of recovery.

His parents had fought a legal battle over the withdrawal of treatment – making bids to the High Court, Court of Appeal and European Court of Human Rights.

Their last move was to get him moved to a hospice, but medics felt this was too risky.

Ms Rolls is the lead nurse at Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Bobbing near Sittingbourne.

She said: "The problem arises with the fragility of the child's condition, and if they were to be moved, it would be highly likely they would die in the transfer.

"We always consider the child's best interests, and that it would be better for them to die in a hospital, instead of in the back of an ambulance.

"A hospice is a lovely environment – to support and care for the child and their family – but sometimes a hospital is the best place."

She explained the process of moving a youngster from a hospital to a hospice can take 24 hours or longer.

She said: "We make sure to have discussions with the family about the transfer, so that they are fully informed on what they can do and what will happen.

"The transfer from hospital to hospice can be quicker than 24 hours, but some parents may need to take longer before making a decision.

"We also ask them where and when they would like the child's ventilators to be removed. This can be in the child's bedroom or in our gardens.

"In Archie's case, the medical professional deemed him too frail to move.

"Because everything we do is in the child's best interests, the High Court decided this wouldn't be the best option for Archie."

In a High Court ruling on Friday, Mrs Justice Theis concluded it was not in Archie’s best interests to be moved to a hospice and the Court of Appeal rejected permission to appeal against that decision.

Helen continued: "To have your healthy and happy child so suddenly be put on a ventilator is heartbreaking.

"It's always really difficult for both the family and hospice staff, as they want what is best for the child and don't want conflict with family on how the dying process will happen.

"Archie's case is really sad and very rare. It's also very rare that the professionals and parents don't agree."

Demelza plans different routes and each eventuality the child could pass away.

"We make sure to keep communication open with families," Helen said.

"We regularly deal with cases where we have to think about what to do if a child becomes poorly again.

"It is, however, very rare to go to the courts."

Helen stresses that even after treatment has been withdrawn, care will continue for the child and their family.

She adds: "Our thoughts go out to the family and professionals who cared for Archie."