How to make last wishes clear

LAST week I responded to a reader with terminal cancer, who asked me if and when he could say ‘no more’ to life-extending treatment.

I wrote that this is the right of any patient, and they can turn to palliative care which aims to make things as comfortable as possible at the end. In response, I received letters from readers who pointed out that it’s possible to make your wishes known even when you are well.

One document is an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT). This lets you set out how you want to be treated if you are unable to communicate your wishes yourself. You can also create a Living Will and Advance Statement. These can be given to your GP or others involved in your care.

The Compassion In Dying website has further details (compassionindying.org.uk).