What you'll get from this toolkit

• The key legal and ethical factors doctors need to consider when providing care and treatment for young people aged 16 and 17 years old in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.  
• More detailed guidance on some of the more sensitive issues that can arise – for example, consent, refusal of treatment, disputes, safeguarding, and confidentiality.
• Links to other guidance and resources from the BMA and other bodies including the General Medical Council, health departments and royal colleges

You may also be interested to see our core ethics guidance

How to use this toolkit

The purpose of this toolkit is not to provide definitive answers for every situation but to identify the key factors that need to be considered when decisions are made; to summarise the relevant legal considerations; and to signpost other key professional guidance. It is not a set of rules or instructions, or a substitute for careful reflection and discussion with colleagues.