DCHS Policies

Consent is a fundamental part of the relationship between NHS staff who deliver care and treatment and the adults, young people and children who access services in the NHS for their care and treatment. “Consent to treatment means a person must give permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test or examination. Consent from a patient is needed regardless of the procedure, [and the] principle of consent is an important part of medical ethics and international human rights law” (NHS: 2019).

“A healthcare professional (or other healthcare staff) who does not respect this principle may be liable both to legal action by the patient and to action by their professional body. Employing bodies may also be liable for the actions of their staff” (DH 2009:5).

The aim of this policy is to set out the principles, practice and responsibilities of Trust staff when seeking consent for assessment, examination, intervention (surgical and non-surgical), investigation, treatment and investigative images and recordings.

Policy Categories

• Clinical