Legal aspects of consent to treatment and the nature of malpractice claims in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The UK law on consent to medical treatment is derived from statutes (acts of parliament and their subordinate statutory instruments) and case law which develops as individual cases are decided by the courts. Regard must also be had to guidance published by the General Medical Council, which all UK-registered medical practitioners are expected to follow. Further detailed guidance on consent is provided by the Royal College of Surgeons.