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The VE Bulletin Excerpts
'No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself' Rudyard Kipling
Vol 20: No 3 November 2003
Your advance directive - a legally binding document protecting you and clarifying your wishes
SAVES often receives inquiries concerning advance directives or 'living wills' made under the Consent to Treatment and Palliative Care Act.
Please note that your advance directive is a legally binding document and your wishes cannot be overridden. It is important that you advise all family members of your healthcare decisions for the future made under the act. In fairness to family members this will clarify your position and avoid possible misunderstandings.
If your directive states that you do not give consent to artificial life support it may assist compliance with your request if, in relation to 'artificial means', that you advise if you have a pace-maker fitted.
In respect of your advance directive:
- Give a copy to all family members
- Give a copy to your medical practitioner
- Advise where the original is kept
- Provide a copy for case notes when going to hospital
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