Can I withdraw my consent after signing?

Yes. You can withdraw your consent at any time before the procedure takes place, and even during a procedure if it is safe to stop. Your consent must be voluntary and ongoing. If you change your mind, simply inform the clinician. You do not need to give a reason, and the clinician must respect your decision. Withdrawing consent should not affect the quality of care you receive for other conditions.

What is the Montgomery test for informed consent?

The Montgomery test, established by the Supreme Court in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board [2015], requires clinicians to inform patients of any material risks of a proposed treatment and of any reasonable alternative treatments. A risk is 'material' if a reasonable person in the patient's position would consider it significant, or if the clinician knows the particular patient would consider it significant. This replaced the previous Bolam test standard for disclosure of risks.

Can someone else consent on behalf of an adult patient?

In England and Wales, no one can consent to treatment on behalf of an adult who has capacity — the decision is theirs alone. If an adult lacks capacity (as assessed under the Mental Capacity Act 2005), treatment decisions must be made in their best interests by the treating clinician, in consultation with family, carers, and any person with a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare. A court-appointed deputy may also have authority to make health decisions.

Is verbal consent legally valid, or must it be in writing?

Verbal consent is legally valid and is routinely used for low-risk procedures and examinations. However, written consent is recommended for more significant procedures, particularly those involving anaesthesia, surgery, or material risks. Written consent provides better evidence that the consent process took place and that the patient was properly informed. The GMC recommends that the consent discussion is always documented in the patient's notes.

What happens if treatment is given without consent?

Providing treatment without valid consent may constitute the tort of battery (unlawful touching) and could give rise to a negligence claim if the patient was not adequately informed of risks. In serious cases, it could also constitute a criminal offence. There are exceptions for emergency treatment where the patient is unconscious and unable to consent, and where delay would pose a serious risk to life — in such cases, treatment may be given in the patient's best interests under the doctrine of necessity.

Free Consent to Medical Treatment Form Template

A consent to medical treatment form is a document that records a patient's informed agreement to undergo a specific medical procedure or course of treatment.

FreePDF & Word

Your data stays on your device — nothing is sent to any server.

patient-details

Patient's Full Name*

Patient's Date of Birth*

NHS Number

treatment-details

Procedure / Treatment Name*

Description of Procedure*

clinician-details

Clinician's Name and Title*

informed-consent

Risks and Side Effects Explained*

Alternative Treatments Discussed*

Patient's Questions and Clinician's Responses

signatures

Date of Consent*

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CONSENT TO MEDICAL TREATMENT Patient Details Name: [patientName] Date of Birth: [patientDOB] Procedure / Treatment [procedureName] Description: [procedureDescription] Clinician: [clinicianName] Statement of Clinician I have explained the procedure described above to the patient, including: Risks and side effects: [risksExplained] Alternative treatments considered: [alternativesDiscussed] I am satisfied that the patient has been given sufficient information to make an informed decision and has had the opportunity to ask questions. Clinician Signature: ___________________________ Name: [clinicianName] Date: [consentDate] Statement of Patient I, [patientName], confirm that: - I have read and understood the information provided about the proposed treatment. - The nature, purpose, risks, and alternatives of the treatment have been explained to me. - I have had the opportunity to ask questions and have received satisfactory answers. - I understand that I have the right to withdraw my consent at any time before the procedure. - I give my voluntary consent to the procedure described above. Patient Signature: ___________________________ Date: [consentDate] Witness (if applicable) Witness Signature: ___________________________ Witness Name: ___________________________ Date: [consentDate]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

The law of informed consent in England and Wales is governed by common law and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Supreme Court in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board [2015] UKSC 11 held that clinicians must take reasonable care to ensure patients are aware of any material risks and reasonable alternatives. The Bolam test (Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee [1957]) is no longer the sole standard for informed consent. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a person is presumed to have capacity (section 1(2)), and all practicable steps must be taken to help them make a decision (section 1(3)). Treatment without valid consent may constitute battery (a tort and criminal offence) or negligence. The GMC's guidance 'Decision Making and Consent' (2020) sets out the professional standards expected of doctors. NHS standard consent forms (Forms 1-4) are published by the Department of Health and Social Care.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

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