Member

The test of reasonable practicability may be too uncertain. What might make a face-to-face diagnosis not reasonably practicable? The doctor lives a long way away. There is a Tube strike so the patient cannot travel because of that. The doctor cannot travel because of that. They would be able to travel the next day, but that would then disrupt the doctor’s existing diary—he may have appointments with other patients seeking assisted death. Some more specific test is required to prevent a failure to ensure that in all but the most exceptional circumstances, the meeting must be face-to-face. I have not tabled a further amendment on this because we have the opportunity to discuss the issue today.