Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 13 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 October 2003. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 October 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what form of informed consent documentation is being used in Northern Ireland pending the revision of the Human Tissue Act 1961.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what form of informed consent documentation is being used in Northern Ireland pending the revision of the Human Tissue Act 1961. [132476] Angela Smith: Trusts were issued with interim guidance on post mortem examination by the Chief Medical Officer in March 2000. This was updated in May 2003. The guidance states that consent should be obtained through the use of a form, normally signed off by the next of kin, which provides clear written information about: what the examination entails. which organs and tissues may be retained and why. how this might impact on the funeral arrangements. whether archiving for research or legal reasons is required. Copies of the consent form should then become an integral part of the post mortem record, placed in the deceased patient's notes and given to the relative who signed it. Broadly similar forms are used by all Trusts. New forms have been drafted and will form part of a consultation exercise beginning in January 2004.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 132476; 411 c524W;411 c528W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Disclosure of information Forms Northern Ireland Organs Post-mortems Next of kin
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk