§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy relating to the British Medical Association's guidance on withholding and withdrawing life-prolonging medical treatment; and what observations he has sent to the Association on this subject. [12225]
§ Ms BlearsThe document issued by the British Medical Association aims to identify the range of clinical, ethical and legal factors which need to be considered in making decisions on withdrawing and withholding356W medical treatment. It covers also potential procedures, including consulting the health care team and seeking a second opinion where necessary, which may assist in ensuring high quality decision-making in this area.
The guidance is a helpful contribution on this subject for practitioners. We have not made any observations to the association on this subject and have no plans to do so.