Safeguarding Ireland has urged people to make healthcare choices such as ‘do not resuscitate’ in advance, as only 4% have their wishes recorded.
A Red C poll has found that just 23% understand what an ‘advance healthcare directive’ is – and 96% do not have one.
Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke explained an advanced healthcare directive is a document where a person decides their future healthcare decisions, such as consent for treatments, medicines and life support.
She told Breakfast Briefing this directive is different from the decisions made by your next of kin.
“For many years, we relied on next of kin when actually, in hospital, your next of kin is a contact person but there's no legal authority to consent or refuse treatment on your behalf,” she said.
“It’s advanced healthcare directives [that is] about protecting people's rights and choices and making sure their will and preference is taken into account.”
She noted a Power of Attorney also cannot make these medical decisions on behalf of a client, even if they cover one’s financial affairs.
'Simply write down your wishes'
Ms Rickard-Clarke noted these advanced healthcare directives are made when a person has decision-making capacity – which they might not have if they end up in the hospital.
“You may be terminally ill, and you may want palliative care not to prolong your life, but to [help you] have a good death,” she said.
“Very importantly, you can simply write down your wishes.”
Advanced healthcare legislation
According to Ms Rickard-Clarke, the Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act 2015 only commenced in April 2023, making many people unaware of the need to make healthcare decisions.
“We haven't had up-to-date legislation up to now,” she said. “Then, obviously, doctors have to rely mainly on HSE consent policy.
“That works for a lot of cases but may not cover your entire wishes in some serious cases, like, for example, the amputation of a limb.
“It's important for healthcare professionals to know your wishes and have your consent.”
The 2015 act establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making in Ireland.
Advanced healthcare directives are standard policy in countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia, according to Ms Rickard-Clarke.
