1. Purpose

MedPlus is committed to ensuring that all patients provide valid, informed consent before any consultation, examination, procedure, or treatment. This policy sets out how we obtain, document, and review consent to support safe, ethical, and patient-centred care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all MedPlus services, whether delivered by employed clinicians or associate clinicians, and includes in-person and remote consultations where relevant.

3. Principles of valid consent

For consent to be valid, it must be:

Voluntary: given freely, without pressure, coercion, or undue influence

Informed: the patient understands the nature, purpose, benefits, risks, limitations, alternatives, and aftercare requirements

Given by a person with capacity: the patient can understand, retain, weigh up, and communicate their decision

Specific and ongoing: consent applies to a particular intervention and can be withdrawn at any time.

4. Age policy: under 18s and age-restricted services

MedPlus provides some services that may be offered to patients under 18, such as ear assessment and microsuction, where clinically appropriate.

Aesthetics services are strictly for adults aged 18 and over. We will not provide injectable aesthetics (including botulinum toxin) or other age-restricted aesthetic treatments to anyone under 18.

For appointments where the patient is under 18, a parent/legal guardian will be required to attend and provide consent as appropriate. We will also involve the young person in discussions in an age-appropriate way and seek their agreement wherever possible.

For aesthetics appointments, under 18s are not permitted on the premises, including as companions/“plus ones” or waiting-room attendees. If a patient arrives with a person under 18 for an aesthetics appointment, we may need to rebook.

5. How we obtain consent (verbal and written)

Consent at MedPlus is obtained as a process, not a single signature. Depending on the service provided, consent may be obtained verbally, in writing, or both.

Verbal consent

Verbal consent is obtained during consultation when the clinician explains the proposed assessment/treatment and checks understanding.

Verbal consent is documented in the clinical record (including what was discussed, questions asked, and the patient’s decision).

Written consent

Written consent is used for procedures/treatments where it is appropriate to do so, particularly where the intervention is elective, involves material risks, or requires aftercare and follow-up.

Written consent is recorded using MedPlus consent forms and stored securely as part of the clinical record.

Implied consent

For low-risk, routine elements of care (e.g., taking a history, basic observations, otoscopy/ear examination), consent may be implied by the patient’s cooperation after an explanation. This will still be supported by clear communication and documentation where relevant.

Remote/online consent

Where consultations are provided remotely, consent may be confirmed verbally at the start of the appointment and/or captured via an online form. Identity verification and documentation standards still apply.

Consent is confirmed again immediately prior to proceeding (a “final check”), and patients can withdraw consent at any time.

6. Information we provide before treatment

Before any treatment/procedure, the clinician will explain (as relevant):

what the treatment involves and what it is intended to achieve

expected benefits and realistic outcomes (including limitations)

material risks and potential side effects/complications

expected discomfort/downtime and typical recovery

aftercare requirements and what to do if problems arise

alternatives, including doing nothing

costs, any staged treatment plan, and follow-up arrangements.

Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive clear answers.

7. Suitability assessment and right to refuse treatment

Consent is part of a wider suitability process. MedPlus may decline or postpone treatment where it is not clinically appropriate or where valid consent cannot be assured. This may include (but is not limited to):

concerns about capacity, intoxication, or impairment

signs of coercion or pressure from another person

unmanaged or significant mental health concerns affecting decision-making

unrealistic expectations or concerns that treatment may worsen distress

contraindications, safety concerns, or inability to comply with aftercare

aggressive or inappropriate behaviour toward staff.

Where possible, we will explain the reasons sensitively and may signpost to appropriate support.

8. Ongoing consent and the right to withdraw

Consent is an ongoing process. Patients can change their mind and withdraw consent at any time, including immediately before or during a procedure. If consent is withdrawn, the clinician will stop the procedure (where safe to do so) and discuss next steps.

9. Capacity and decision-making

We will assess capacity where there is any reason to doubt it. Capacity may be affected by factors such as acute distress, intoxication, medication effects, severe anxiety, psychosis, mania/hypomania, or cognitive impairment.

If we believe a patient does not have capacity to consent at the time of the appointment, treatment will not proceed. Where appropriate, we may recommend rescheduling or signpost to other services.

10. Cooling-off and time to decide

We encourage patients to take time to consider treatment decisions, especially where the intervention is elective. Where clinically appropriate, we may recommend a cooling-off period between consultation and treatment.

11. Consent for prescription-only medicines

Where a treatment involves prescription-only medicines (POMs) (e.g., botulinum toxin), a prescribing assessment is required prior to treatment. Prescribing will be completed by an appropriately qualified prescriber following a suitability consultation and in line with relevant regulations and clinic processes.

Companions and privacy

Patients may attend with a companion aged 18+ where appropriate. For under-18 ear care appointments, a parent/legal guardian must attend. For privacy, treatment room doors may be closed during procedures. If a clinician needs to confirm consent is freely given or discuss a safeguarding matter, they may request a brief private conversation. Where any third party is present during consultation or treatment, this will be documented in the clinical record.

13. Photography and use of images

Where clinical photographs are taken (e.g., for assessment, treatment planning, or monitoring outcomes), patients will be asked to consent to photography and informed of:

why photographs are being taken

how they will be stored securely

who may access them

how long they will be retained.

Separate, explicit consent will be obtained for any use of images for marketing, teaching, or social media. Refusing marketing consent will not affect the care provided.

14. Documentation and record keeping

We document consent clearly, including:

whether consent was verbal and/or written, and where any written consent is stored

the information provided (risks, benefits, alternatives)

questions asked and answers given

the patient’s decision and any specific preferences

any aftercare advice provided

relevant photography consent (where applicable).

Consent may be recorded via written forms and/or clinical notes, depending on the procedure and service type.

15. Complaints and concerns

If you have concerns about consent or your care, please refer to our Complaints Procedure or contact us:

Email: info@medplusuk.com
Telephone: 01329722721

16. Review

This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as needed.