Lack of training for professionals in the Mental Capacity Act leaves vulnerable people compromised
I am fairly
certain that there will be a fair amount of research and statistics in how many
people are not being properly consulted when discussions are being made about
them.
Through our own
contacts, experiences and knowledge we know many people are not properly
supported in making decisions.
It all comes down to a lack of
awareness and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act on the part of health
and social professionals. which partly leads to blame and leads to Mental Capacity
errors. Not only is there a lack of understanding of what a Mental Capacity
Assessment is, but many people seem to confuse the Mental Capacity Act with the
Mental Health Act. The two things are not the same.
It will come as no surprise to
many of us in this field that recently a family whose relative was in hospital
questioned whether a Mental Capacity Assessment had been carried out prior to
various meetings with the discharge team and with the NHS Continuing Healthcare
assessment team. The reply from the
nurse, is both shocking and confirmation of the lack of understanding around
Mental Capacity, she said that that Mental Capacity Assessments don’t apply to
people with dementia – and that for people with dementia the only thing that
matters is an assessment of their financial means.
Even without the last part of her comment, it’s a shocking example of
what goes on.
In response, to this lack of training and/or clear understanding is The
Edith Ellen Foundation Mental Capacity Act 2005 Conference, 30 March 2017.
A decade on from this legislation coming into force (April 2007), our
conference will address what is right and what is wrong.
Our conference will be a free resource
for professionals in Healthcare (Advocates, IMCA’s, Professionals working in
Community Care, Adult Social Care, Healthcare, Service Providers - Nursing and
Residential, Local Authority Safeguarding Services, Regulatory Bodies,
Voluntary Organisations and Charities), and those accessing the service.
To book your place please go to –
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