Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 19 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 March 2003. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 27 March 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS-funded training programmes provide guidance on dealing with patient requests for a medically assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS-funded training programmes provide guidance on dealing with patient requests for a medically assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia. [104560] Mr. Lammy: Euthanasia, the intentional taking of life at the patient's request or for a merciful motive, is unlawful in the United Kingdom. Similarly, assisted suicide is unlawful under the Suicide Act 1961. The Department of Health is not aware of any national health service funded training programmes to deal with such requests.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 104560; 402 c388W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Codes of practice Information Euthanasia Patients Training Suicide
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk