What is an advanced medical decision?

What is an advanced medical decision?

An advance medical decision, often referred to as an ‘advance directive’ or ‘Living Will’, is a written statement of your wishes about medical treatment if you become terminally ill or incapacitated.

An advance medical decision allows a person to refuse specified treatment in specified circumstances such as:Physical illness which is so serious that life is nearing an end and there is no likelihood of recovery; Permanent serious mental impairment with physical illness and/ or Permanent unconsciousness

You are completely free to refuse to undergo medical treatment even if, as a result, it brings about your death. However, you must have the mental capacity to make that decision.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 gives clear legal status to advance medical decisions, which means that health professionals must follow them, if they are valid and applicable to the specified treatment and circumstances.

It is important that an advance medical decision is well drafted, so it is valid and applicable to the specified treatment and circumstances. You should discuss your wishes with your immediate family. The document is not intended to be a substitute for discussion with medical staff and it is always recommended that you talk fully with your doctor about your treatment. An advance medical decision does not ask a doctor to do anything against existing law, but it is useful when decisions must be made on prolonging an

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Private

Client team for help and advice on putting an advance medical decision in place.

Bethany Worthy is a Solicitor in the Private Client team of solicitors at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors in Pickering, looking after clients all across the Ryedale and Scarborough regions. She is a Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) accredited member. Her membership of SFE shows she has a wealth of experience within this key legal area as members are required to have spent a substantial amount of time working for older and vulnerable people as well as support for the family and carers.

Bethany’s expert help and advice includes guidance on selling your home or ways to stay in your home, making a Will. Living Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, gifts and estate planning, funding long term care and Court of Protection.

You can contact Bethany at the Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors Pickering office on 01751 472121 or email: b. worthy@ crombiewilkinson.co.uk