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.
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.
As part of the process the public body must consult friends or family to ensure the decision remains person-centred as far as possible.
If there is no one appropriate to consult, then for certain decisions an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) must be appointed.
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.
Matrix SDT currently operates the IMCA service in Surrey and Slough.