Establishing a patient's next of kin

Beverley Ward MDU medico-legal adviser
ByDr Beverley Ward
Published21 April 2025
A doctor called for advice about whether an elderly patient's neighbour could be assigned as next of kin.

Next of kin status does not grant automatic legal authority to make healthcare decisions.

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Establishing a patients next of kin Ad 1

This page was correct at publication on 21/04/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Beverley Ward
Medico-legal adviser

Beverley is a former GP and has been a medico-legal adviser at the MDU since 2008. She provides advice and assistance to members of all specialties on ethical and legal matters arising from their care of patients.

Establishing a patient's next of kin