In order for consent to be valid, the patient should be aware of the purpose, nature, likely effects, risks and chances of success of a proposed procedure, and of any alternatives to it. The fact that a patient has consented to a procedure on one occasion does not create an open-ended consent that can be extended to subsequent occasions. Consent must be obtained for specific procedures, on specific occasions. It is a conversation with the patient, rather than a form that is completed without any discussion or interaction between the patient and the practitioner.