Consent to treatment is the principle that a person must give their permission before they receive any type of medical treatment or examination. This must be done on the basis of a preliminary explanation by a clinician.
Consent is required from a patient regardless of the intervention – from a physical examination to organ donation. The principle of consent is an important part of medical ethics and the international human rights law.
It can be given:
- Verbally – for example, by saying they are happy to have an X-ray
- In writing – for example, by signing a consent form for surgery
Please Download the following leaflets:
- A Guide for People with Learning Disabilities
- A Guide for Adults – What you have a right to expect
- A Guide for Children and Young People – What you have a right to expect
- A Guide for Parents – What you have a right to expect