Communication Skills for Surgeons by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783031122132
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

What is Gillick Competency?

As touched upon above, the concept of Gillick competency relates to the ability of a child under the age of 16 to consent to treatment, irrespective of their parental consent. The initial Gillick case was related to contraception in children under 16 [1]. The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) set out guidelines in 1980 stating that doctors could prescribe contraception to children under the age of 16 without parental consent. Mrs Gillick, a mother to ten children, challenged the DHSS guidelines stating that they were unlawful and that they defied parental rights. Mrs Gillick lost her case in the House of Lords, and it was ruled that children who are competent may consent to treatment irrespective of their parents’ knowledge or decision, and that the assessment of competence in minors should be the same as in adults. Therefore, any young person under 16 years of age who has capacity to consent to an investigation, treatment or procedure is referred to as “Gillick competent”.

Key points to consider when assessing Gillick competence

The maturity of the child, including their ability to independently form decisions while managing external influences.

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