A LEADING medical law expert has backed the case for health professionals to be on the Health and Social Services board.

Jonathan Montgomery, professor of health care law at the University of Southampton, was reacting to the proposal from director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman. ‘We have used this service in my area with success,’ he said. ‘It is a way of influencing medical decisions with clinicians rather than just bureaucrats.’

Professor Montgomery (pictured) was in Guernsey to deliver the fourth of the Bailiff’s Royal Court lectures – Guarding the Gate of St Peter, Law, Life and Death.

The lecture attracted States members, lawyers, medical professionals and members of the clergy.

Professor Montgomery also chairs the Human Genetics Commission and advises the UK Government.

He said 115 people had travelled to Switzerland from the UK in recent times to use the services of organisations that assist people in taking their own life. The practice had become more publicly recognised with the death of conductor Sir Edward Downes and his wife, Joan, a choreographer and TV producer, at one of the clinics in July.

Professor Montgomery said the House of Lords had responded by saying the laws surrounding this area were not clear enough.

‘I suggest that the courts have trodden on the toes of Parliament, which is the proper place to discuss this issue.’