The UK’s chief nursing officers (CNOs) have issued advice to nurses and midwives wanting to take part in the public debate around assisted dying.
It comes as MPs will this month begin debating an assisted dying bill – which would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to ‘be assisted to end their own life’.
A similar bill is also currently proceeding through the Scottish parliamentary process.
The CNOs said they would not be adopting an ‘official professional stance’ on the matter, and will instead await the outcome of the decision made in Parliament.
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Together they recognised the complexity of the topic and that many nurses will hold ‘informed professional opinions and perspectives’.
‘We are also cognisant that there will be strong views held across society that will form part of the wider debate and that the public may turn to nurses and midwives for guidance due to the trusted nature of our professions,’ they added.
‘Nurses and midwives may be unclear on how to approach this debate, both in their professional capacity and as a member of society.
‘We would expect that you will want to give your opinions, and it is our view that this is appropriate and reasonable.’
In doing so, the CNOs urged nurses to be ‘guided by the professional values enshrined in our code of practice, particularly around respect and confidentiality’.
They stressed there were some things that should be avoided, including:
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- identifying individuals you have cared for unless with their consent
- directly engaging patients in debate
- implying that you speak for the nursing and midwifery professions rather than expressing your personal views
‘Whatever the outcome, our professions continue to play a vital role in delivering high quality end of life care and, regardless of the decision, this must continue,’ the CNOs added.
‘We understand that this issue may raise challenging questions for you both professionally and personally.
‘Therefore, it is more important than ever to maintain a supportive professional culture as we navigate these discussions together.’
The correspondence, published today, was signed by CNO for England Duncan Burton, CNO for Scotland Anne Armstrong, CNO for Wales Sue Tranka and CNO for Northern Ireland Maria McIlgorm.
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MPs are to begin debating the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – which was proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater – on 29 November, after which there will be a vote to decide whether it should proceed through Parliament.
UK laws currently prevent people from asking for medical help to end their own lives
