Section 26 of the 1983 Act (definition of “relative” and “nearest relative”) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (5).
In subsection (1)(a), after “wife” insert .“ or civil partner ”
In subsection (5)—
in paragraph (b) after “wife” insert , and“ or civil partner ”
in paragraph (c) after “wife,” insert .“ civil partner, ”
In subsection (6)—
for “and “wife” include a person who is living with the patient as the patient's husband or wife” substitute “ , and“ , “wife”and “civil partner” include a person who is living with the patient as the patient's husband or wife or as if they were civil partners”
for “unless the husband or wife” substitute .“ or a patient in a civil partnership unless the husband, wife or civil partner ”
In subsection (7)(b), for “unless the husband or wife” substitute .“ or a patient in a civil partnership unless the husband, wife or civil partner ”
In section 27 of the 1983 Act (children and young persons in care), after “wife” insert .“ or civil partner ”