To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Thornton on 20 October (WA 60), how requests from patients for hydration are communicated to health care professionals if they are not made in writing. [HL5947]

There is no set procedure for requesting artificial nutrition or hydration, or any other form of treatment. The requests may be made verbally by the patient, or, if they do not have the capacity to make a request, by those close to the patient. In accordance with professional guidance, decisions on artificial hydration should be recorded and be accessible to the patient, team members and others involved in providing care to the patient.