On 13th March 2014, the House of Lords Select Committee on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 published the report of its ten‐month investigation. The Government responded: “We agree with the Committee’s overall finding: that while the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) was a “visionary piece of legislation” the Act has “suffered from a lack of awareness and a lack of understanding.”

Evidence suggests that tens of thousands of people are being deprived of their liberty without the protection of the law, and without the protection that Parliament intended. Worse still, in some cases the safeguards are being wilfully used to oppress individuals and force decisions upon them.

This Conference will consider how the current Mental Capacity Act applies to day-to-day practice, with a focus on capacity and best interest assessments and how these can protect the healthcare practitioner and improve patient care. The day will also explore the recommendations made by the House of Lords and the Government’s response, including the new Mental Capacity Advisory Board and potential new legislative framework.

Delegates will have the opportunity to raise issues and concerns specific to their own practice.

The Edith Ellen Foundation in Partnership with Leigh Day, will look to redress the Lack of Understanding and Awareness both Legal and Practical.

Registration will be from 8.30am, with the conference beginning at 9.30am.

Speakers

Dave Sheppard - MCA & MHA

Emma Jones, Human Rights Partner, Leigh Day

Leonard Lawrence (Medically Retired Airline Pilot) and Evonne Guillett - The Patients Perspective

Dr. Rainer Hermann Kurz - ‘Critical reflections on the role of mental health professionals’

Lynne Phair, Nurse and Expert Witness in the Courts

Dr Mervyn Eastman, Co-Founder and Society Secretary/Co-Director of Change AGEnts

District Judge Anselm Eldergill, Court of Protection/Professor

For more information please contact office@edithellenfoundation.org