Make medical directive less intrusive for witnesses

04 Dec 2008, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Victor Gomez

MOH reviewing AMD procedure to make it simpler

Make medical directive less intrusive for witnesses

RECENTLY, I went to a polyclinic and got a doctor to witness my advance medical directive (AMD). My friend, who was willing to be my witness, had to leave after waiting more than an hour to see the doctor.

When I got to see the doctor, I asked the doctor's nurse to be the second witness. She graciously agreed and asked me to wait outside while they filled in the form.

But there was a problem. While the doctor need only give her office address and telephone number, the nurse had to give her home address and telephone number.

The nurse felt this information was too personal to give to a stranger. She explained her dilemma to me.

I agree fully with the nurse. Why is there a disparity? If the Ministry of Health is serious about the AMD, the conditions for the second witness, especially if he or she is on the staff of the same clinic, should be reviewed. For consistency, the information required should be the same, with no need for personal home address, cellphone or home telephone numbers to be furnished.

I look forward to a more transparent AMD application.

Reply

Name of the Person: Karen Tan (Ms)

Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health 

MOH reviewing AMD procedure to make it simpler

In "Make medical directive less intrusive for witnesses" (ST, 31 March 2008), Mr Victor Gomez shared his experience of making an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) at a polyclinic and called for the process to be reviewed.

An AMD allows a person to make a decision, in advance, that he does not wish to be subject to extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to prolong the process of dying, in the event that he suffers from terminal illness and death is imminent. The making of an AMD must be witnessed by two persons, both of whom must not stand to gain if the patient dies - a doctor serving as professional witness (to certify that patient is of sound mind, understands the consequences of making the AMD, and is making the AMD voluntarily) and another adult witness (who is 21 years of age and above). Certain personal information about these witnesses is therefore required, in case there is a need to contact the witnesses or to carry out any verification. More information on AMD is available at the MOH website www.moh.gov.sg.

We thank Mr Victor Gomez for his feedback and we certainly will look into how the process can be further simplified.