FAQs - Living Wills

A Living Will, or Advance Medical Directive, is a document that enables you to specify treatment that you wish to accept or refuse should you be in the unfortunate position of not being able to do so yourself. This is not a legal document but it is generally recognized by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Other information can be recorded such as a health care proxy, who should look after your children or pets, and any other information that you feel is pertinent.

Your views on your treatment will not be known. Any views that you may have expressed verbally in the past to a family member cannot be taken into account.

No. Normally only next of kin will be consulted. It is, therefore, a key document for unmarried couples.

This can be specified in the document itself but is normally two independent medical practitioners.

You can simply destroy the document. If your decisions remain valid it is recommended that you re-confirm your intentions by signing the document and having your signature witnessed.