Future medical treatment - your right to choose

In ordinary circumstances, you have a legal right to say yes or no to medical treatment.

However, if you were to become mentally incapacitated - or unconscious - treatment may be given or withheld without your consent, if medical personnel think it would be in your best interests.

By setting up an advance directive, you can ensure that you receive only those treatments you have specified as desirable.

On this page:

Benefits of having an advance directive
Who else to consult
Drawing up your directive

Benefits of having an 'advance directive'

By making an advance directive you can:

• Legally refuse specific treatment(s), including treatment to prolong your life.
• Specify the circumstances in which this refusal would apply.

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Who else to consult

We recommend that you to talk to your GP before drafting a directive. If you are under hospital care, you should also talk to your consultant.

Medical professionals will be able to explain the consequences of deciding to receive or refuse certain treatments. They will also confirm that you are mentally competent at the time of drafting your directive.

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Drawing up your directive

You can draft your own directive using this form:

Advance directive form

It must be signed and witnessed, and you should review it regularly.

You should give copies to your GP, a relative or friend. If you are having hospital treatment, a copy should also be added to your case notes.

The BMA (British Medical Association) suggests that you should also carry a card stating that you have an advance directive in place.

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