INDEPENDENT MENTAL CAPACITY ADVOCACY Michelle Starkey Dorset Advocacy

IMCA Everything they dont tell you about running an IMCA scheme!

HISTORY OF PILOT Pilot scheme for South West Dorset under one PCT Training/information sessions Steering group established Literature designed, produced and issued Referral system agreed and issued Website and database Scheme extended to all of Dorset

Referral Criteria Pilot to adopt Statutory provisions but allowed flexibility Lack of Capacity Family/friends Self-funding Power of Attorney Detention under Mental Health Act Reality was that we received a number of referrals that were not appropriate when investigated fully Act is prescriptive and will need to be adhered to carefully

Referral Details Pilot anticipated taking on 35 referrals over whole year Exceeded that by at least 40 at beginning of September Frequency of referrals: Dementia Learning disabilities Mental health Acquired brain injury/stroke

Issues Professional links Access to medical staff Time to train people Demands of others Turn around time 8 hours per referral Funding Independence from commissioners Accountability Travelling Diagnosis information Politics Stress/support for IMCAs

If you are going to do this you need to be: A good listener Patient Supportive Able to think outside the box Able to speak up for the client Determined Have excellent communication skills Good map reader! Negotiator Recognise best interests Independent

DORSET ADVOCACY IMCA SERVICE dorsetadvocacy.co.uk

Dorset Advocacy IMCA Service Thank you for staying awake! Michelle Starkey