Your doctor, nurse, midwife, therapist or other qualified healthcare professional will always ask for your consent before they undertake an examination, procedure or treatment.

You always have a choice. Before anything happens, you can:

• say no
• ask for more information
• discuss your options with your relatives or carers.

Consent can be given:

• verbally, by saying you are happy for the clinical team to undertake a procedure, such as a blood test
• in writing, by signing to say you consent to surgery.

If you are unable to give consent to treatment, we will discuss treatment options with your next of kin.

However, in an emergency that will not always be possible – for example, if you are being treated for life threatening injuries.

For more information, visit NHS Choice’s guide to consent to treatment.