
Gillick Competence – Consent to medical treatment for minors An adult of ‘sound mind’ can provide valid consent to medical treatment, including a refusal of treatment that would lead to deterioration in their health, or even death. Can Gillick consent to medical treatment? Children under the age of can consent to their own treatment if they’re believed to have enough intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what’s involved in their treatment. Otherwise, someone with parental responsibility can consent for them. In some situations children are able to give consent themselves, and sometimes others need to take the decision on their behalf.

This factsheet sets out the basic information to enable you to obtain the appropriate consent from children and young people. See full list on medicalprotection. When caring for children, you have an overriding duty to act in the best interests of the child.
When making decisions regarding treatment, the child or young person should be involved in the decision as much as possible, depending on their level of understanding. Aged and 17A child’s affirmative consent (assent) to investigation or treatment deemed in their best interests, having achieved the age of 1 cannot be overruled by anyone with parental responsibility, although the court may in its capacity a. (more…)