The BBC has reported that one in five families was not consulted where doctors decided not to revive a relative.  This is another reason why it is important for individuals to think about creating a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare matters.

A lot of people think that next of kin have a right to be involved in making decisions about a relative’s Health and Welfare, but that isn’t necessarily the case and a doctor or nurse doesn’t always have to consult with next of kin.

A Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare allows you to appoint a trusted friend or relative to act on your behalf (as an attorney) and make decisions about your health and welfare in the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself.  This is particularly relevant for life-sustaining treatment and the Lasting Power of Attorney specifically asks if you want a doctor to make a decision about life-sustaining treatment or whether you would prefer your attorney to make a decision about life-sustaining treatment.

If you opt for your attorney to make the decision on your behalf, then you can tell them what you would want to happen in that awful situation; and you can rest assured that the doctors would have to consult with the attorney.

It is not a nice thing to think about, but it is important to have a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare in place to ensure your wishes are carried out and your relatives have the legal authority to consult with doctors.

Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say...

View All

Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

“Always able to contact, very approachable, friendly and professional”

Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

Anon (Personal Injury client)

“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
5 star service

Our Manchester office is rated 5 stars on Google