ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the laws and practices surrounding children and medical treatment. The language of rights is particularly difficult in relation to health and medical treatment. Standards of health and access to medical treatment are inextricably linked to a range of other factors which may undermine the standard of health which is achievable for a child. Running through considerations of a child's right to consent to medical treatment is the issue of medical confidentiality: patient confidentiality applies to children as well as adults. The National Health Service publishes the schedule of immunisation for children. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service is a localised service, made up of child mental health professionals. These include child and adolescent psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, child psychotherapists, family therapists, social workers, and mental health practitioners. Medical procedures and/or treatments have cost implications for both the State and medical providers.
