Advance decisions (living wills)

When you're ill, you can usually discuss treatment options with your doctor and then jointly reach a decision about your future care. However, you may be admitted to hospital when unconscious or not in a position to make some of your own decisions about your treatment. Under these circumstances, doctors and nurses will talk to your family and friends in order to decide what treatment is in your best interests.

If you are concerned about this happening to you, and have strong feelings about the type of treatment you do not wish to receive, it might be a good idea to consider making an advance decision (often known as a living will or advance directive).

An advance decision is a legally-binding decision to refuse specific medical treatment if you are not able to make a decision at the time when it is required. This may sometimes be the case if, for example, you have dementia or a learning disability, or are unconscious or unable to communicate. Your advance decision can state that you won't accept medical treatment such as a blood transfusion or organ transplant, or that you don't want to be fed through a tube if you aren't able to swallow.

You can also make a written statement about the sort of care you would like to receive, which can include information about dietary preferences, or religious or cultural arrangements for your end of life care. Unlike advance decisions, written statements aren't legally binding, but health and social care workers should take them into account when planning your care.

An advance decision or a written statement can be made by anyone who can make an informed choice to do so.