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08 November 1999

Dear Colleague,

Welfare of the Child Leaflets
In response to a number of requests from centres and GPs for clarification on the 'Welfare of the Child' assessment process, the HFEA has produced the enclosed two leaflets. It is not mandatory for centres to use these leaflets, but it is hoped that their use will overcome some of the problems experienced in the past with respect to patient consent and medical confidentiality. 

Leaflet - Welfare of the Child - Information for GPs
This leaflet is designed for GPs, and has been produced in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners. It is intended to inform GPs about the "Welfare of the Child' assessment process and why their assistance is requested. In addition, it covers important issues such as patient consent and medical confidentiality. If a clinic wishes to use this leaflet, it should be photocopied and distributed to GPs in its present form as an HFEA publication.

Leaflet - Welfare of the Child - Information for Patients
This leaflet is designed for distribution to patients, and contains background information on the 'Welfare of the Child' assessment process. It also contains the consent forms required for disclosure of information. Centres may wish to use this leaflet in its current format as patient information. If this is the case, they should fill in the clinic counsellor's telephone number in the space provided (in the section headed 'Consent') and photocopy it for distribution.

While this leaflet may be adapted as necessary, the consent form should not be altered as it reflects the consent to disclosure form annexed in the Code of Practice. The patient information sections may be tailored according to the centre's individual needs.

Guidelines are also enclosed that explain how these two leaflets are designed to work together but, like the leaflets themselves, they are not mandatory. Some centres may find it more useful, for example, to incorporate the leaflets into their existing Welfare of the Child assessment protocol.

I hope you find the two leaflets are a beneficial resource for your centre. Please contact Ginny Shires (0207 539 3311) if you would like to discuss this letter and its attachments.

Yours faithfully 

Ruth Deech
Chairman

Page last updated: 15 August 2012

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