Before a doctor or other health professional examines or treats you, they need your consent. Sometimes you can simply tell them whether you agree with their suggestions. However, sometimes a written record of your decision is helpful - for example if your treatment involves sedation or general anaesthesia. You'll then be asked to sign a consent form. Health professionals must ensure you know enough to enable you to decide about treatment.
They'll write information on the consent form and offer you a copy to keep as well as discussing the choices of treatment with you. Although they may well recommend a particular option, you're free to choose another. People's attitudes vary on things like the amount of risk or pain they're prepared to accept. That goes for the amount of information, too. If you'd rather not know about certain aspects, discuss your worries with whoever is treating you.
The department of Health has produced a leaflet on Consent - what you have a right to expect is a detailed guide on consent in versions for adults, children, parents, carers/ relatives and people with learning disabilities which is on their website.
