Consent to Treatment

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