The general practice partners invited two medical ethicists (RC and TH) to meet them to develop the document. The partners met RC and TH for one and a half hours on eight occasions over one year and met without them on eight further occasions. The entire general practice also had an all day session to discuss in detail an advanced version of the draft. The developmental process was of great value to the partnership and has led to appreciable change in individuals' views. The draft policy presented here is intended to start the ball rolling, so that proper guidelines will be developed at whatever level in the NHS is most appropriate. Comments and feedback are welcomed.