To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Thornton on 20 October (WA 60), how patients over 18 are made aware of their rights to request hydration in advance of any treatment. [HL5946]

All patients are entitled to oral nutrition and hydration without the need to make a request.

Where a patient has difficulty in taking fluids orally, the healthcare team are expected to assess their condition and requirements for hydration. Various forms of artificial nutrition and hydration may help prolong and improve the quality of a patient's life, but potential benefits may be accompanied by problems and complications. Decisions in these difficult cases should be taken in accordance with professional guidance. If artificial hydration might prolong a patient's life, and the patient has the capacity to make decisions about their care, the clinician is expected to discuss with the patient the benefits, disadvantages and risks so that they can make an informed decision about their future treatment. If artificial hydration might prolong the patient's life and the patient lacks capacity, those close to the patient should be fully involved in making a decision which serves the patient's best interests.