A new guidance for doctors on end of life treatment and care

On 20 May 2010 after a two year consultation period, the General Medical Council (GMC) of Great Britain published its revised guidance for doctors dealing with patients who are reaching the end of life. The guidance, Treatment and care towards the end of life: good practice in decision making1 takes effect from 1 July 2010. It is intended to assist GMC registered doctors, other health professionals, and patients and families, to make sound decisions that respect human life and recognise a patients right to make informed decisions about requesting or refusing treatment. It is applicable to the care of patients whose clinical features mean that their death is either imminent or likely within 12 months.