IMCA is a key aspect of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which will be partially implemented in April 2007. The Act places a responsibility on Local Authorities to ensure that people who are considered to lack capacity have access to an independent advocate when decisions are being made about them that relate to:
- Serious Medical Treatment (SMT)
- Changes of NHS accomodation (more than 8 weeks)
Who can receive IMCA?
- Those who are considered to lack capacity by decision-makers
- Those who have no family or friends to represent their likely views (with the exception of adult protection cases)
- Support the person who lacks capacity and represent their likely views to those responsible for making decisions
- Obtain and evaluate information
- Ascertain the person's wishes and feelings, as far as possible
- Ascertain alternative courses of action - eg different care arrangements
- Seek a further medical opinion, if necessary
For adults living in Caradon, Carrick, Kerrier, Penwith and North Cornwall, we also provide advocacy services which can help and support you to deal with issues connected with your care and treatment (both within hospital and in the community).
Further information is available by downloading the leaflets below. We currently have offices in Portsmouth, Hampshire and Bodmin, Cornwall.
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| Portsmouth: | |
You can also download annual reports from the SEAP Annual Reports page.
