Next of Kin

Next of Kin - A Popular Myth

‘Next of Kin’ simply means someone who you would like contacted in an emergency. Being a ‘Next of Kin’ provides no legal standing whatsoever despite widespread belief to the contrary; beliefs held by some health and social care professionals as well as the general public. 

In a nationwide Red C public opinion survey in January 2018 70% of people answered, correctly, that ‘Next of Kin’ is “Someone, such as a close relative or friend, who I would like contacted in an emergency”. However 57% of people believed that’ Next of Kin’ was “Someone who can make healthcare decisions about me if I’m unable to”; 54% believed it was “Someone who can make personal decisions about me if I’m unable to”; 52% believed it was “Someone who can make a decision about life support treatment for me”; 35% believed that ‘Next of Kin’ was “The only person to be given medical or personal information about me”. Some 32% believed that ‘Next of Kin’ was someone who can access my bank accounts and assets if I’m unable to”. 

In the context of the emerging public health emergency in which health and social care staff on the frontline will be under enormous pressure it is vital that their time is not wasted by pointless arguments among family members about ‘Next of Kin’.  It is also important that hospital staff establish who you want as your designated contact person NOW as opposed to insisting that someone who you listed as your ‘Next of Kin’ some years ago should remain as your designated person.  In some cases this could mean an abusing family member.

To safeguard yourself in a healthcare situation it is advisable to state clearly:

1. The name of an Emergency Contact / Designated Person who you would like contacted in the event of an emergency, serious illness or death.
2. Who you would like information about your medical condition to be shared with.

Being clear on these two things and insisting that your wishes be so recorded can help minimise confusion, family tensions and wasting the time of overstretched health and social care professionals.

Sage Advocacy supports the campaign of Safeguarding Ireland to PLAN AHEAD and urges everyone to consider Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Healthcare Directives and Think Ahead, www.thinkahead.ie a resource of the Irish Hospice Foundation which assists people to plan and record their wishes in the event of emergency, sudden illness or death. You can read Safeguarding Ireland’s information leaflet Chose your place of care...before it’s chosen for you HERE. 

The Information & Support Service of Sage Advocacy can assist you if you have any queries.  Please call our Rapid Response Service on 1850 71 94 00 (8am-10pm) or our mainline on 015367330 (9am-5pm).