It’s of great value to look over the government’s website for citizen’s rights concerning death. Here’s the link to it:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/Preparation/DG_10029429
You’ll learn that a person is unable to make a ‘refuse consent to life-sustaining treatment’ decision if he/she is unable to:
a) understand the information relevant to the decision
b) retain that information
c) use or weigh that information as part of the process of making the decision, or
d) communicate the decision (whether by talking, using sign language or any other means).
An advance Statement can deal with your choices in advance.
Your statement could include:
• treatment you would be happy to have, and in what circumstances
• treatment you would want, no matter how ill you are
• treatment you would prefer not to have, and in what circumstances
• someone you would like to be consulted about your treatment at the time a decision needs to be made
It can also include a specific refusal of treatment, which has a different legal status.
Dignity in Dying (previously the Voluntary Euthanasia people) can now be found on the internet at:
http://www.dignityindying.org.uk/
They have lots of information about assisted suicides – but to be clear LSUK are not suggesting assisted suicides should take place. We just provide information for informed people to make their own decisions.
If writing an advance statement, bear in mind that new drugs or treatments may be introduced in the future. So you could, for example, state that you would prefer not to receive certain current treatments, but would allow for new treatments.
You can still make a living will if you’re diagnosed with a mental illness, as long as you can show that you understand the implications of what you’re doing. You need to be competent to make the decision in question, not necessarily to make other decisions.
It’s best to put your wishes in writing and explain:
• why you’ve made your decision about how you do or don’t want to be treated
• what you understand about the treatment you’re agreeing to or refusing
• why you’re making these decisions now
It’s important that your living will is entered into your medical notes so that in an emergency it is found and acted upon. Consider sending a copy to your doctor and to any hospital which is treating you and to your nearest relatives.
Advice from LSUK – keep within the law, do what you have to do; ensure your Power of Attorney and/or Living Will are up to date.
Filed under: Legal Advice
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