An advance medical decision, often referred to as an ‘Advance Directive’ or ‘Living Will’, is a written statement of your wishes about medical treatment if you become terminally ill or incapacitated.

You should discuss your wishes with your immediate family. The document needs to be well drafted so it is valid and applicable to your specified treatment and circumstances. It is not intended to be a substitute for discussion with medical staff; it is always recommended that you talk fully with your doctor about your treatment. An Advance Directive does not ask a doctor to do anything against existing law, but is useful when decisions have to be made on prolonging an individual’s life.

If you change your mind at a later date, an Advance Directive is not final and irrevocable and can therefore be changed by telling your doctor. However, it is sensible to destroy the document and all copies of it. Please see Lasting Powers of Attorney for information on how to appoint someone to make these decisions on your behalf.