Last year’s Supreme Court case around consent, Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board (Scotland) [2015] UKSC 11, has been called as one of the most significant in healthcare law for over 30 years. The decision has far reaching ramifications for healthcare practice. This article explores how the case of Nadine Montgomery and the injuries to her son during childbirth signalled a major change in the requirements placed on doctors’ and nurses’ practice.
The thread running through the case law and discussion concerned a patient’s right to self-determination and autonomy by making informed choices and decisions. The days of the doctor or nurse knowing best and making decisions for their patients, however well intentioned, are well and truly at an end.
Register now for access
Thank you for visiting Independent Nurse and reading some of our premium content. To read more, please register today.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here