Ethics Round Up- Year 2024

1. Introduction of AI Guidelines for Medical Decision-Making

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to release comprehensive guidelines on the ethical use of AI in medical decision-making. These guidelines emphasize transparency, accountability, and the importance of human oversight, ensuring that patient welfare remains central as AI tools become increasingly integrated into diagnostics and treatment planning. Read more here

2. UK Parliament revisit Assisted Dying Bill

The UK parliament revisited the legal framework surrounding assisted dying.  In November 2024, the UK Parliament debated the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults expected to die within six months. The bill proposes strict safeguards, including approval from two doctors and a High Court judge. The debate has rekindled discussions over patient autonomy, ethical considerations, and potential impacts on NHS resources.  It also sparked discussions about the balance between individual rights and societal safeguards. Further info here

3. NHS Patient Data Pricing Proposal

In December 2024, the UK government studied how to price NHS patient data to streamline its sale to companies and researchers. This proposal is part of a plan to create a “national health data service” aimed at enhancing data use and transparency. The initiative has sparked ethical debates over patient privacy, consent, and the commercialization of health data. Further info here

4. Implementation of Safe Access Zones Around Abortion Clinics

In October 2024, legislation for safe access buffer zones around abortion clinics came into force in England and Wales. These zones are designed to protect patients and healthcare providers from harassment and intimidation, ensuring safe and unimpeded access to abortion services. The implementation has been welcomed by various medical and advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of patient dignity and autonomy. Further info here

5.  GMC updated professional standards

In January 2024, the General Medical Council (GMC) implemented an updated version of ‘Good Medical Practice,’ the professional standards for all doctors in the UK. These revisions place a stronger emphasis on creating respectful, fair, and supportive workplaces, promoting patient-centred care, and tackling discrimination within the healthcare system. The updated guidelines aim to equip doctors to navigate evolving challenges while upholding professional standards and acting in patients’ best interests. Good Medical Practice can be found here

6. Implementation of ‘Martha’s Rule’ in NHS Hospitals

In February 2024, NHS England announced the rollout of ‘Martha’s Rule,’ a policy allowing patients and their families to request an urgent clinical review if they feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. Named after Martha Mills, a young girl who tragically died after her symptoms were not properly acted upon, this initiative aims to empower patients and improve safety in hospitals. By March 2025, 143 hospitals across England are expected to have implemented this policy. Further info here 

7. Mental Health Act Reforms

After years of campaigning, long-awaited legislation to reform care for mental health patients is one step closer to becoming law, as the Mental Health Bill 2025 was brought to parliament. The Mental Health Bill when introduced should go further to prioritise patient dignity and autonomy. The changes include stronger safeguards against involuntary treatment and enhanced rights for individuals to challenge decisions about their care. These reforms have been hailed as a victory for mental health advocacy groups across the UK. Further information here

8. Indefinite Ban on Puberty Blockers for Under-18s

In December 2024, the UK government announced an indefinite ban on prescribing puberty blockers to individuals under 18 for gender dysphoria, except within clinical trials. This decision followed the Cass Review, which raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of such treatments. The ban has sparked significant ethical debates regarding the autonomy of transgender youth and access to gender-affirming care. Further info here

9. Physician Associates and their evolving responsibilities

In 2024, the role and responsibilities of Physician Associates (PAs) in the UK underwent significant scrutiny and transformation, impacting professional standards and patient care. Effective December 2024, the GMC became the statutory regulator for PAs and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) in the UK. This regulatory shift aims to ensure that all PAs and AAs meet the high standards expected of healthcare professionals, enhancing patient safety and professional accountability.

The role of PAs in general practice faced considerable debate. In September 2024, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) voted to oppose the employment of PAs in general practice, expressing concerns about their training and the potential impact on patient care. Subsequently, in October 2024, General Practitioners (GPs) voted in favour of phasing out the PA role in general practice, citing inadequate training to manage undifferentiated patients and calling for an immediate moratorium on such sessions.

In response to these concerns, the UK government launched a review in October 2024 to assess the roles of PAs and AAs, particularly focusing on patient safety and the effectiveness of these positions within the healthcare system. These developments highlight the evolving landscape of medical professionalism in the UK, emphasizing the need for clear role definitions, appropriate training, and robust regulatory oversight to ensure patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Further info here

10. Covid-19- did the UK respond ethical during the pandemic?

In June 2024, the UK’s COVID-19 Inquiry released its first report, highlighting significant ethical concerns regarding resource allocation during the pandemic. The report criticized the government’s preparedness and decision-making processes, emphasizing that inadequate planning led to resource shortages and difficult ethical decisions in healthcare settings. These findings underscore the importance of ethical principles such as justice and equity in public health planning, particularly in ensuring fair distribution of resources during health crises. Further info here and here