This power of attorney enables an attorney or agent to make decisions about medical treatment on behalf of a person who has lost the capacity to make those decisions themselves.

Whilst the Medical Treatment Act does permit next of kin to consent to medical treatment if you do not have any immediate family you should consider making a power of attorney authorising an attorney or agent to make medical decisions when you are no longer capable of doing so.

The power to make decisions about medical treatment also extends to refusing treatment.  For example, your appointed attorney may be advised by you that you do not wish to be placed on life support.  Provided the attorney has been made fully aware by the treating doctor of a life-threatening condition and the available treatment, but that it would cause unreasonable distress, or the attorney believes that you would refuse the treatment, then a Refusal of Treatment Certificate may be given.

Our contacts:
Trevor Kuhle Solicitor