End of life treatment

Question 1

When there is uncertainty surrounding a patient on life sustaining treatment and what to do with it, what should be done?

Answer 1

Continue life sustaining treatment as it’s the least restrictive option, and apply to the Court of Protection

Question 2

What is the ruling for doctors in providing treatment that isn’t clinically indicated?

Answer 2

1. Treatment can be lawfully withdrawn if it’s no longer in the best interest of a patient lacking capacity
   - AD or patient’s requests for treatment don’t place an obligation on doctors to provide it where it isn’t medically indicated or in the patient’s best interests
2. However, there is a duty to care for the patient and this will normally require doctors to provide CANH.

Question 3

If a competent person withdraws consent, what must doctors do?

Answer 3

Respect that as it’s illegal to continue treatment even if the withdrawal would result in the patient’s death (since they’re competent)