Current consultations
Consultation documents received by the RCN which are currently active are listed in this section and are divided into the year that they have been received. This section will be regularly updated to reflect new documents which have been received.
Below you will also find a selection of consultations the RCN has recently put to memebers.
Some files on this page are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
Assisted suicide consultation - have your say - this consultation closed on 22 May 2009
Click on the video link below to watch a quick four minute film which outlines the key issues associated with assisted suicide.
Key links
Background
Assisted suicide is the process by which an individual is provided with the means and the assistance (eg drugs or equipment) to commit suicide by another person or persons. There have been several attempts to change the law and legalise assisted suicide in the UK, which has generated debate on a variety of levels - ethical, moral, religious, spiritual, political, professional and legal. Assisted suicide is an issue that affects the nursing workforce, both as individuals and as health professionals.
The RCN Policy Unit is in the process of conducting an extensive RCN wide consultation aimed at identifying what the prevailing attitudes are among members towards this issue, such that the views of nurses can be considered as part of the public debate. In order to support and encourage a comprehensive internal debate, opinions will be sought from country/regional boards, branches, forums and individuals.
Like any section of the population, nurses express a range of views on sensitive ethical issues. The notion of ending a human life is a profound and emotive concept, particularly for health professionals whose values and code of ethics are orientated to improving and maintaining health wherever possible.
However, the RCN believes a consultation with members on this area is now appropriate in light of the wider public debate and the recent developments in relation to assisted suicide over the last few years (in particular the high profile suicides at the Zurich Dignitas facility).
Briefing and further reading
A briefing on the issue of assisted suicide has been prepared by Policy Unit. Download Assisted suicide: An overview of the debate (PDF 92.9KB)
The briefing is not designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the medical, ethical, legal and other issues associated with assisted suicide, or to present a preferred position in relation to the issue. Instead, the main purpose of this document is to inform members of the current laws relating to assisted suicide in the UK and to stimulate a wide-ranging debate with RCN members and throughout the profession about the issue of assisted suicide.
The briefing also contains a list of further reading for those members interested in investigating the issue in more depth.
How do I have my say?
- You can discuss the issue with other members on the discussion zone but please note that the consultation commenced on 16 February 2009 and closed on 22 May 2009. Responses must have been received by this date in order to be considered as part of the consultation.
If you would like any more information on the consultation please email policycontacts@rcn.org.uk