The person identified as closest to a patient — typically a spouse, civil partner, parent, or adult child — who is the primary point of contact for the clinical team when the patient is unable to speak for themselves. Next of kin has no formal legal standing in English law: being listed as next of kin does not automatically give someone the legal right to make medical decisions on a patient’s behalf. That right comes from a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or, in some situations, through a formal best interests process. Despite this, next of kin is the term most commonly used in hospitals to identify the person the team will communicate with. Co-survivors in this role should be aware of its limitations and consider whether a formal LPA is appropriate.
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