HC Deb 04 November 1996 vol 284 cc401-2W
Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to NHS trusts in connection with obstetric interventions(a) without the consent of and (b) against the expressed wish of the patient. [1843]

Mr. Horam

None. Advice on clinical issues is a matter for the royal colleges and professions involved. It is for clinicians to determine the most appropriate form of treatment, including medical interventions, for individual patients. As far as possible, this should be done with the knowledge and consent of the patient concerned. On the rare occasions when this is not possible, this is ultimately a matter for the courts.

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