What we do 

The role of the MCA DoLS Advisor is to advise and support staff to enable patient’s to make as many decisions as they can for themselves. To understand mental capacity (2005) and deprivation of liberty legislation (2009) and to work at all times in compliance with the Act, in the patient’s best interests. Staff are provided with opportunity to reflect through supervision, to look back on specific cases and learn from them.

Who we are 

 Stephen Down - MCA and LPS Lead 

 Christine Johnson - MCA and DoLS Advisor 

Where we are based

Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital 

How you can contact us

Please contact the Adult Safeguarding Team on 0191 541 0555.

For queries relating to Mental Health Act Assessments please click on the link below:

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) Referral

IMCA Information for Doctors

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)  - Information for Doctors about medical decisions

Podcasts

We at the MCA and DoLS team are exploring ways in which we can make information regarding the use of the Mental Capacity Act [MCA] and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards more accessible to staff by using digital media. By creating a series of Podcasts we hope to make content that is relevant, local and in bite sized chunks, which can be accessed at any time convenient to the listener. To that end, we are recording a series of podcasts with staff from the Trusts and partners to explore how their role supports the Trusts to meet legal requirements by sharing their knowledge and experience.

Links to Podasts:

If you feel there are any topics you would like to see covered or, if you feel you have a unique perspective and would like to be part of the Podcast series, then please contact the Trust MCA Lead Stephen Down

  • Email: Stephen.down3@nhs.net
  • Phone Number: ext 40555 or 0191 541 0555 

Local Authority Contact Details

Sunderland

Tel. No: 0191 561 8980 Fax: 0191 553 1688 
Secure Email: safeguarding.adults@sunderland.gcsx.gov.uk 

South Tyneside 

South Tyneside’s Initial Contact Team Tel: 0191 424 6000
Safeguarding Adults Unit Tel: 0191 424 4049 Fax: 0191 4244016

Gateshead

Tel: 03001110369 Fax: 0191 4215362

Durham County Council

Tel: 03000 267981 Fax: 0191 3898229

Deprivation of Liberty Section

Deprivation of Liberty safeguards are applicable to patients 18 years and above in hospitals, and people in care homes, they are designed to protect the best interests of an extremely vulnerable group of service users and to:

The Trust Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Procedural Guidelines shows staff of the correct manner to manage patients, reducing the risk of depriving them of their liberty unlawfully.

Withdrawing the Government Emergency COVID-19 MCA and DoLS Guidance (Form 1B)

Due to the lifting of restrictions on 19th July 2021, the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic guidance has now been withdrawn. In spite of this, the care and treatment of people who may lack the relevant mental capacity remains of great importance and must always be guided by important principles of the MCA, which may in some cases include the utilisation of the safeguards provided by the DoLS. This was and is the case, before, during and after the pandemic.

What does this mean for STSFT staff?

Practitioners should note that the urgent authorisation form (Form 1B) must now no longer be used and instead Form 1 should be used for all requests – please refer to the Meditech V6 DoLS Form 1 section via PCM or PCS to complete Form 1. For further guidance click the following link: V6 DoLS Training guide

Where decisions may need to be made in relation to COVID-19 care or treatment, for someone who may lack the relevant mental capacity, practitioners should follow their usual processes, including the best interest decision making process.

If you have any questions, please contact Christine Johnson, MCA/DOLS advisor who will be happy to provide you with advice and support. Christine can be contacted on the safeguarding team Single Point of Contact (SPOC) – 0191 5410555 or email christinejohnson1@nhs.net.

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