Medical treatment
Your right to consent and confidentiality.
When can I see a doctor on my own?
At any time, or any age. What a healthcare professional can't do is prescribe medical, dental and surgical treatment without parental consent until you've reached 16.
Young people under 16 may receive confidential sexual health advice and treatment, so long as the healthcare professional or service is willing to provide it. Government guidelines request that all healthcare professionals (such as your doctor) clearly advertise their confidentiality policy, and provide alternative local services if they're unwilling to provide such services.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Not until you're 16, when you can also ask to switch from one GP to another (for example, if you're female and would prefer to see a female doctor about a specific issue).
Can I be sure that I'll be treated in confidence?
Everything that you share with your GP should be kept private, even if you're under 16 (unless treatment is required). However, there are circumstances when they may be obliged to break this agreement, usually if you are believed to be in danger of abuse or injury. In this situation, the doctor may inform Social Services, who will then act to make your welfare a priority.
How about getting hold of the contraceptive pill?
A doctor can choose to prescribe the contraceptive pill to a girl who is under 16, providing they feel confident that she understands the implications and consequences. (They may also chat to her about the importance of using condoms as well as the pill to protect against sexually transmitted infections).
By law, doctors should encourage under 16s to inform their parents, even if they go on to prescribe the pill without parental knowledge or consent because the young person does not wish to involve them. These principles also apply to pregnancy termination, though a doctor will very rarely proceed without parental consent if the girl is under 16.
Is it possible to refuse medical treatment?
If you're under 18, you have a right to be consulted about any recommended treatment, but ultimately your parent/s carer must give consent. At 18 or over, your consent must be sought for any treatment. This means an adult patient can legally refuse, but it may be possible for your decision (or that of a parent/carer) to be over-ruled in court if, for example, the situation is life threatening without treatment.
What if I want to change doctors?
You have the right to change your doctor and surgery without giving a reason, however it may be helpful to let them know you are leaving for administrative purposes.
