Summary
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 created the Independent Mental Capacity Service to empower and safeguard people who do not have the capacity to make decisions. This Act also introduced the legal duty for NHS bodies and local authorities to refer eligible people towards the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) service and consider their views.
The fifth annual report on the IMCA service supplies statistical information on referrals to this statutory advocacy service. Recommends are made for CCGs and local authorities about the use of the IMCA for people who lack capacity.
The profile of impairment has not changed over the past 5 years. The most common impairments for people receiving the IMCA service in year 3 were:
- Dementia (38%).
- Learning disabilities (20%).
- Mental health problems other than dementia (13%). (p.21)
Reference
Bonnerjea, L. (2013). The fifth year of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) Service: 2011 / 2012. London: Department of Health, February 13th 2013.
[A brief reference to this item features in Dementia and Elderly Care: the Latest Evidence Newsletter (RWNHST), Volume 3 Issue 7, May 2013].
