End of Life issues

Question 1

When can a competent patient be detained and treated?

Answer 1

To prevent self harm and suicide if a patient has a mental health disorder and treatment will alleviate their symptoms

Question 2

What is a mental disorder?

Answer 2

Any disorder or disability of the mind

Question 3

Assisting suicide

Answer 3

Illegal under section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961

Needs an act intending to kill

Question 4

Complying with refusal of treatment

Answer 4

Not regarded as assisting suicide

Question 5

Requesting notes to go to Dignitas

Answer 5

Could be perceived as intention to assist

GMC advises doctors to consult a legal team

Question 6

When is court approval needed for withdrawal of care?

Answer 6

Withdrawing artificial nutrition and hydration for patients in a vegetative state persistently

Question 7

Article 2

Answer 7

People have the right to life, but not the right to die

Question 8

Doctrine of Double Effect

Answer 8

According to the DDE you may carry out an act that has a good effect and a bad effect, and so a double effect, so long as

(a) the bad effect is an unavoidable side-effect of trying to bring about the good,
(b) the good effect sufficiently outweighs the bad side-effect (known as the proportionality condition), and
(c) you intend only the good effect.