Urgent treatmentN.I.
68.—(1) Articles 63 and 64 shall not apply to any treatment—
(a)which is immediately necessary to save the patient's life; or
(b)which (not being irreversible) is immediately necessary to prevent a serious deterioration of his condition; or
(c)which (not being irreversible or hazardous) is immediately necessary to alleviate serious suffering by the patient; or
(d)which (not being irreversible or hazardous) is immediately necessary and represents the minimum interference necessary to prevent the patient from behaving violently or being a danger to himself or to others.
(2) Articles 66 and 67(3) shall not preclude the continuation of any treatment or of treatment under any plan pending compliance with Article 63 or 64 if the responsible medical officer considers that the discontinuance of the treatment or of treatment under the plan would cause serious suffering to the patient.
(3) For the purposes of this Article treatment is irreversible if it has unfavourable irreversible physical or psychological consequences and hazardous if it entails significant physical hazard.
(4) Where a patient is given treatment under this Article the responsible medical officer shall immediately notify [F1RQIA] as to—
(a)the nature of the treatment given to the patient; and
(b)where treatment is given under paragraph (1), which of sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of that paragraph applied in relation to the patient.
F1Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), ss. 32, 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 8(1) (subject to Sch. 6 para. 8(2)-(4)); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2