Informed consent
You have the right to accept or refuse treatment, and to be given clear information about your options first.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- You must give valid consent before treatment, and you can refuse.
- You should be told the benefits, risks and alternatives so you can decide.
On this page (2 sections)
Overview
Before a treatment, you should be given information about what it involves — including the benefits, risks and any alternatives — so you can decide. You have the right to accept or refuse treatment, and care should not normally be given without your valid consent [1].
What this means
It is fine to ask questions until you understand, and you can change your mind. If you are not able to make a decision yourself, there are legal safeguards to protect your best interests [1].
Sources
- Department of Health & Social Care (GOV.UK). The NHS Constitution for England (opens in new tab) Updated 17 August 2023. Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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