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The former head of the committee representing GPs in Jersey has expressed his disappointment that some of the "misconceptions" in the debate on assisted dying "have been propagated by doctors themselves".
Dr Nigel Minihane – a local GP for more than 30 years and the former head of the island's Primary Care Body – spoke out to "reassure residents that there are doctors and other health and care professionals in Jersey who are prepared to participate in assisted dying in some form should the law change".
Writing in an Express opinion column, he explained that a group of healthcare professionals have come together to consider their potential role in legislation.
Pictured: Dr Nigel Minihane was a local GP for more than 30 years and is the former head of Jersey's Primary Care Body.
"We all back a change in the law but our aims go beyond amplifying the well-rehearsed ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments," said Dr Minihane.
The 'Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying in Jersey' group hopes to support States Members think through the practical details of the legislation they pass and what will be necessary to include in subsequent training and guidance.
However, Dr Minihane raised concerns about the "misinformation" being spread as part of the assisted dying debate.
"I have seen in recent weeks the misinformation that too often pollutes this debate," he said.
"To clarify, doctors no longer swear by the Hippocratic Oath, which is an archaic text of limited relevance to modern medicine.
"We are instead bound by the Declaration of Geneva, which places a duty on the profession to have utmost respect for the autonomy of the people we care for."
Dr Minihane added: "Doctors are also routinely required to assess capacity and ensure people have a settled and voluntary wish for a particular course of action, often in life and death decisions such as the refusal of treatment.
"Every day we follow processes to safeguard and protect people."
Pictured: Detailed proposals for assisted dying in Jersey are due to be debated in the States Assembly on 21 May 2024.
The former GP explained that assisted dying would be a new service, "but it would not present any challenges that doctors and other professionals are not well-equipped to meet".
Dr Minihane said: "I am disappointed that some of these misconceptions have been propagated by doctors themselves, who – presumably, taking into account their vocal opposition to any form of law change – have no intention themselves of supporting their patients with an assisted dying request should it become a legal option."
He explained that it had been "useful to glean external knowledge from doctors on both sides of the debate", but said that "how we cater to the needs of dying people in Jersey is ultimately a decision for our society to make".
The former head of the island's Primary Care Body said: "I will always defend the right of my colleagues to conscientiously object from participating in any aspect of an assisted dying law.
"Indeed, I am sure that dying people who wish to access this choice want to know that they will be supported by someone who shares their values.
"Equally it is important we respect the rights of those who do want to be involved."
Pictured: "I am disappointed that some of these misconceptions have been propagated by doctors themselves."
Dr Minihane added: "I would like to reassure residents that there are doctors and other health and care professionals in Jersey who are prepared to participate in assisted dying in some form should the law change, which will of course depend on the final law States Members pass."
Detailed proposals for assisted dying in Jersey are due to be debated in the States Assembly on 21 May 2024.
Information sessions are being held ahead of the debate to allow islanders the opportunity to hear about the proposals that States Members will be voting on.
There are general public events as well as specific sessions for health and care professionals.
Information sessions are being held ahead of the assisted dying debate next month to allow islanders the opportunity to hear about the proposals that States Members will be voting on.
Public sessions
Any Jersey resident can come to the in-person public sessions. You do not need to book.
Health and care professionals sessions
You can attend these sessions if you’re a health and care professional. You need to book your space by emailing assisteddying@gov.je.
You can find out more online HERE.
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