ABSTRACT
Some patients may refuse treatment or care because of their cultural or religious beliefs. For example, some patients may refuse medicinal products which contain animal products. In common with all patients the wishes of patients with religious beliefs should be respected throughout any care and treatment. If a patient on a waiting list or scheduled treatment is discovered to be a Jehovah's Witness, then he should be contacted at the earliest opportunity to discuss the administration of blood and blood products. The health professional should be very thorough when providing information to the patients about the additional risks of refusing blood or medication. Where the patient is a child, parents may not prohibit health professionals from administering necessary medication or blood or blood products to their children. If the patient is under the age of 16 the health professional must assess whether the child is 'Gillick' competent.
