Change the law to give recognised next of kin full access to medical records when a patient lacks capacity and is receiving end-of-life or palliative care, except where there are domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.

Families are expected to contribute to best interests decisions but are often denied access to the information needed to advocate effectively. The law should define who qualifies as next of kin and include safeguards where there are domestic abuse or other serious safeguarding concerns. This would improve transparency and help ensure patients' wishes are respected.