Skip to main content
Department of Health Department of Health An Roinn Sláinte Männystrie O Pouste

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Closed consultation Consultation on the Draft Advance Care Planning Policy for Adults in Northern Ireland and Draft Equality Impact Assessment

    Consultation closed Consultation opened 17 December 2021, 9.00 am and closed 11 March 2022, 5.00 pm

    Summary

    The Department of Health is undertaking a consultation on a draft Advance Care Planning Policy for Adults in Northern Ireland and related Equality Impact Assessment.

    Documents

    • Consultation Document Advance Care Planning Policy for Adults in Northern Ireland Adobe PDF (623 KB)
    • Draft Advance Care Planning Policy for Adults in Northern Ireland Adobe PDF (846 KB)
    • Advance Care Planning Policy Equality Impact Assessment Adobe PDF (1 MB)

    Help viewing documents

    Consultation description

    This policy will provide a framework for Advance Care Planning for adults (aged 18 years and over), focusing on the health and social care aspects. It has been developed to support a person to have greater choice and control over decisions, including plans for their future care and treatment. A person’s Advance Care Planning conversations, and any recommendations and/or decisions, will be used should a person become unable to make the relevant decisions for themselves at any point. This may be due to declining health or an unexpected medical emergency.

    This policy has been developed using a co-production approach with extensive stakeholder engagement and input. We now seek further views on the draft Advance Care Planning policy and Equality Impact Assessment.

    The draft policy provides an overview of Advance Care Planning, why it is important and how it can help people to think about what matters to them and to make timely, realistic and practical plans for their future, including future care and treatment. It encourages these plans to be made in conversation with those who are important to the person and/or someone providing care, support or treatment.

    A key aim of the Advance Care Planning policy will be to promote clear and consistent messages and practice for all those providing care, support or treatment. The policy will also aim to increase public awareness and understanding of what Advance Care Planning is, encouraging adults at any age or stage of life to consider and plan ahead for their future. The ambition of the policy is that Advance Care Planning conversations become normalised; that all adults have regular opportunities to express their wishes, feelings, beliefs and values in relation to Advance Care Planning and that these are reflected in the care, support or treatment they receive.

    The draft Advance Care Planning policy has been developed using a co-production approach involving a wide range of stakeholders. A Report on Early Stakeholder Engagement is available here

    Alternative Languages, Accessible Formats and Data Protection Impact Assessment

    Documents are available in a range of alternative languages and accessible formats on the Department website.

    A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) screening, Rural Needs Impact Assessment and Regulatory Impact Assessment screening are available on request, please e-mail acpconsultation@health-ni.gov.uk.

    Ways to respond

    Option 1: Online

    Complete the questionnaires for the consultations online:

    Option 2: Paper Copy

    If you are unable to access the consultation online, you can request a paper copy of the consultation documents.

    • By telephoning the dedicated Patient Client Council number 02895 368542.
    • Via email acpconsultation@health-ni.gov.uk.

      A pre-paid envelope will be provided to return your completed responses

    Option 3: Telephone Support

    If you require any additional support, telephone number 02895 368542 can be used to speak directly to a Patient and Client Council operator (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm).

    The operator can:

    • Post a Consultation Pack to you including a pre-paid envelope to return completed responses.
    • Answer any queries you may have about submitting your response online.
    • Complete the Advance Care Planning policy &/or EQIA consultation questionnaires by inputting your responses directly online. You may request a copy of your response.
    • Put in place accessibility arrangements such as interpreter services, including sign languages and alternative formats for example braille.

    Consultation Information Events

    The Patient and Client Council are facilitating a number of virtual information sessions to let you know how you can respond to the consultations.

    Thursday 20 January 2022 at 10am
    Wednesday 2 February 2022 at 2:30pm (BSL Session)
    Tuesday 8 February 2022 at 2:30pm (ISL Session)
    Thursday 10 February 2022 at 2pm
    Tuesday 15 February 2022 at 6:30pm

    Registration link for the PCC website

    Privacy, Confidentiality and Access to Consultation Responses

    Ways to respond

    Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.

    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens