IMCA

Some people facing a serious decision about their care or their situation that's proposed by a public body (the NHS or Local Authority) may be unable to make it due to an impairment, illness or injury.

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If they've been assessed as lacking the capacity to make the decision for themselves, a bests interests decision needs to be made on their behalf.

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As part of the process the public body must consult friends or family to ensure the decision remains person-centred as far as possible.

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If there is no one appropriate to consult, then for certain decisions an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) must be appointed.

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The IMCA will represent the views of the person, ensure that their rights are upheld, and can challenge the outcome. IMCAs only become involved in the following decisions: Accommodation Move, Accommodation review (after a move), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), Serious Medical Treatment or Safeguarding Adults.  

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Matrix SDT currently operates the IMCA service in Surrey and Slough.