Elective procedure appendectomy (FOI)

​​Request

Please provide a copy of the form that is signed today regarding the elective procedure for an appendectomy.

Response

All consent forms which may be used for a patient undergoing an appendectomy are attached. Procedure-specific detail will be completed by the surgeon consenting the patient. The particular form used will depend on whether:

• the patient is an adult (over 16 years of age) or a young person who is consenting for themselves

Standard Consent Form 1 (Green).PDF

• a parent (or someone with parental responsibility) consenting for their child

Paediatric Consent Form 3 (Yellow).PDF

• a best interests decision for a patient who lacks capacity to consent to the procedure

​Best Interest.PDF​

Under the Consent to Medical Treatment Law (Jersey) 1973, those aged 16 years and above are entitled to consent to their own medical treatment in Jersey. It is commonplace for a parent (or someone with parental responsibility) to consent to procedures on behalf of a child, though those under 16 years old are able to consent to their own treatment without parental consent if deemed Gillick competent. If a child is Gillick competent and is able to give voluntary consent after receiving the appropriate information, that consent will be valid; additional consent by a person with parental responsibility is not required.

Health and Community Services’ Consent to Care and Treatment policy upholds that ‘All persons (16+) are assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack capacity’. Where there are concerns surrounding capacity, a best interest’s assessment is conducted, and relevant documentation completed for the assessment and determination(s) made. The Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2016 provides a framework to support people (over the age of 16 years) to make decisions for themselves or, failing that, to ensure that decisions are made for the person in the persons best interests. It is underpinned by five core principles. Of relevance to those people who lack capacity are:

• Principle 4: Anything done for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity must be done in their best interests.
• Principle 5: The purpose for which an act is done or a decision is made on behalf of a person who lacks capacity should be achieved in ways that are least restrictive to the person concerned.

Further information can be found in the Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2016 and the Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2016 Code of Practice.

Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2​016 (jerseylaw.je)

Capacity and Self Determination (Jersey) 2016 - Code of Practice.pdf (gov.je)​​