Treatment Requiring Consent (Irreversible Treatments)
Consent to TreatmentWhat this section does
A small group of irreversible treatments — psychosurgery and surgical implantation of hormones to reduce sex drive — can never be given without your valid consent. Even when you consent, an independent second-opinion doctor must certify that the treatment is appropriate.
Who it applies to
Any patient for whom these treatments are being considered, whether detained or informal.
Your rights
You can refuse, and your refusal must be respected. Consent must be real, informed and free — the safeguards exist precisely because these treatments cannot be undone.
Time limits
Applies whenever one of these treatments is proposed, to detained and informal patients alike.
How to challenge it
Refuse the treatment; ask for the second-opinion certificate; get help from an IMHA, a solicitor, or the hospital managers.
Key cases
No leading reported case — the consent and second-opinion safeguards are the main protection in practice.
Last updated: 9/13/2026