Our IMCAs are Independent Mental Health Capacity Advocates who provide a legal safeguard for individuals who lack the ability to make important decisions, or who are deprived of liberty.
Our IMCAs usually support individuals who do not have any family or friends that are able to represent them.
The IMCAs role is to ensure that any decisions that are made on behalf of a person who lacks capacity are done so in the best interests of the person, and ensure that the individual’s views are represented to those who are working out their best interests.
This can include working within a team of social care and medical professionals to make the best decision for that person in areas such as:
- Where individuals live,
- On serious medical treatment options
Our IMCAs also support individuals who become deprived of liberty, or Dols for short, who reside in a hospital or care home.
In order for our advocates to provide this service, clients must meet the following criteria:
- Must be deemed to lack capacity in relation to the decision in question by a health or social care professional
- Not have any family or friends that are willing or able to assist
- Have needs in relation to accommodation or serious medical treatment
- Or have a safeguarding need
- Or have needs for support in care reviews
- Or be under the request for a Dols (Deprivation of Liberty) authorisation known as a 39A IMCA
Our IMCAs must be instructed and involved to support an individual:
- When an NHS body is proposing to provide, withhold or stop serious medical treatment
- When care reviews for people in accommodation arranged by the local authority
- When reviews undertaken by the NHS for people receiving Continuing Healthcare
- When care plan reviews take place for inpatients
How do I make a referral?
We receive referrals from health and social care professionals. This can be done by phone, fax or email.
This post is also available in: Cymraeg
