​Consent means saying ‘yes’ to something.

​You see a doctor, nurse or dentist to check your health or because you are unwell.

​​They want to find out what is the matter, so they will need to do some health checks on you.

​They might:

​Before they do anything they must tell you what they need to do and why. 

They must ask you if this is ok.

​​If you agree and say ‘yes’ this means you give your ‘consent’.

​Treatment is something that a doctor, nurse or dentist gives you to make you better.

​​Treatment might be an injection, medicine, an operation or something else.

​​You can ask questions before you give your consent to have treatment.

​​You can ask why you need to have something done.

​​You can ask what will happen and how it will help you.

​​You can ask what might go wrong.

​​You can ask if something else can be done instead.

​​You can ask for more time to think about it.

​You can give your consent in different ways.

​​You can say if you agree by speaking or signing.

​​You can do something to show you agree. 

​​You might be asked to sign a form if you agree.

​​You can ask if something else can be done instead.

​​You can say ‘no’.

​You have the right to have your say about your health care and treatment.

​​You have the right to ask questions if you do not understand anything.

​​You have the right to say no to any treatment or information being shared.

​​You can have someone else with you when a doctor or nurse checks your health.

​​You can ask for another doctor to see you.

​​Remember giving consent is up to you.