What is consent?

 

Informed consent is the dialogue between you the patient and your surgeon (or other health professional), culminating in the authorisation or agreement by you to undergo a specific medical procedure or treatment.

Your consent must be valid, Therefore:

• You must be able to give your consent.
• You must be given enough time to make a decision.
• You must be acting under your own free will and not, say, under the strong influence of another person.

What do I need to know?

 

Key points

1. The nature of the proposed procedure.
2. The reason the procedure is suggested.
3. The benefits of the procedure.
4. The risks & complications of the procedure.
5. Any alternatives to the procedure.
6. The nature of the anaesthetic required.
7. The expected recovery following the procedure.
8. The time required to resume normal work, sports, social or sexual activity.

How much time can I take to decide?

 

• It is important that you are given as long as necessary to fully understand the nature of the procedure, the benefits, risks and side effects.
• Do not be pressurised or harassed into agreeing to a procedure.

Can I refuse treatment in advance?

 

• You can state what treatment or procedures you do not want in the future, for example, blood transfusion.
• It is important that your wishes are known by your supporter(s) and are recorded in the consent form.

A specimen of the Informed Consent for your procedure will be sent to you prior to your admission. Please read this carefully making notes of any questions you may have. Mr Inglefield will be able to address these prior to you agreeing to proceed with your surgery. You will be required to sign an original Informed Consent for your procedure that authorises Mr Inglefield to carry out your treatment.

This Valid Informed Consent is a legal requirement in all hospitals and the signing of this document does not affect your statutory rights.

For further information on Consent go to www.doh.gov.uk/consent