Member

There has been no consideration of the consequences for people such as GPs, 76% of whom already say that patient safety is being compromised by excessive workloads. The process that the amendments advocate is undeliverable, given the scarcity of the relevant personnel, such as clinicians, nurses, lawyers, social workers and psychiatrists. It has not been impact-assessed and it would require greater concentration of resources. There are major issues in relation to access for all people—I am among those who have written to the Minister for an updated equality impact assessment. If, for example, a person were to seek such a death and to choose to die at home, then assistance in reaching this goal would have to be present and available every day between 8 am and 6 pm. When the patient decides that the time has come, the doctor is required under Clause 25 to remain with the person until they have died or changed their mind.