The Mental Capacity Act 2005 created the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service as a safeguard for people without the capacity to make certain important decisions and without family or friends to support them. The Act also introduced a legal duty on NHS bodies and local authorities to refer eligible people to the IMCA service. The service started on 1st April 2007 and this is the report on its second year’s work. There was a 27 percent rise (to 6582) in the number of people receiving representation from the IMCA service compared to the first year. This comprised a 14 percent increase (to 3496) for decisions relating to accommodation moves; a 102 percent increase (to 387) for decisions relating to care reviews; a 43 percent increase (to 968) for decisions relating to serious medical treatment; and a 29 percent increase (to 960) in adult protection proceedings. There is concern that the service is not yet reaching all the people who would benefit, particularly with regard to the continuing low rate of referrals for serious medical treatment. A small study revealed that commissioners were mainly pleased with the service though they wanted IMCAs to be more available and to deliver reports faster. MCA leads in local authorities commented on the professionalism of IMCAs and the benefits to the client group. However, there was a perception within health care settings that involving an IMCA delayed treatment..
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 created the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service as a safeguard for people without the capacity to make certain important decisions and without family or friends to support them. The Act also introduced a legal duty on NHS bodies and local authorities to refer eligible people to the IMCA service. The service started on 1st April 2007 and this is the report on its second year’s work. There was a 27 percent rise (to 6582) in the number of people receiving representation from the IMCA service compared to the first year. This comprised a 14 percent increase (to 3496) for decisions relating to accommodation moves; a 102 percent increase (to 387) for decisions relating to care reviews; a 43 percent increase (to 968) for decisions relating to serious medical treatment; and a 29 percent increase (to 960) in adult protection proceedings. There is concern that the service is not yet reaching all the people who would benefit, particularly with regard to the continuing low rate of referrals for serious medical treatment. A small study revealed that commissioners were mainly pleased with the service though they wanted IMCAs to be more available and to deliver reports faster. MCA leads in local authorities commented on the professionalism of IMCAs and the benefits to the client group. However, there was a perception within health care settings that involving an IMCA delayed treatment..
Subject terms:
law, learning disabilities, local authorities, medical treatment, mental capacity, mental health problems, vulnerable adults, access to services, admission to care, safeguarding adults, adult social care, advocacy, carers, decision making, dementia, Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy;