Mental Health By Gill Weatherill This collection looks at the latest news, comment and development on the law affecting mental health services. The law affecting mental health services is constantly changing and has been a focus for regulators and legal challenges. Maintaining…
Spotlight on Prevention of Future Deaths Reports By Peter Merchant Summary What can we take from the steady flow of Prevention of Future Deaths Reports (PFDs) issued by coroners in relation to patient care? How do these fit into the wider learning from deaths landscape? To help answer these questions, we have…
New interim guidance on CANH withdrawal By Gill Weatherill Summary Following a flurry of recent court decisions, the British Medical Association, General Medical Council and Royal College of Physicians have jointly issued interim guidance on the withdrawal of clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration…
Paying the price? Latest on approach to calculating fines in health and social care safety prosecutions By Tracey Longfield Summary An NHS Trust has recently been fined £333,333 in an HSE prosecution relating to inpatient falls, which are a continuing challenge for health and social care providers. The Judge has produced detailed sentencing remarks explaining how the…
Place of Safety changes from 11 December - Are you ready? By Gill Weatherill Ever since the Policing & Crime Act 2017 came onto the statute books earlier this year, we have known that significant changes were on their way in relation to police powers and place of safety provisions under Sections 135 and 136 Mental Health…
Observing religious practices for those lacking capacity By Gill Weatherill The extent to which religious practices should be observed for adults lacking capacity can give rise to sensitive and complex issues for the organisations responsible for their care.
Introducing the 'Liberty Protection Safeguards' - Latest on Reforming DoLS By Gill Weatherill Summary The Law Commission has today published its final report on recommendations for reforming the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) system. As at the time of its interim report on DoLS reforms last year, the Law Commission remains of…
Covert Medication – Guidance from the Court of Protection By Gill Weatherill A recent Court of Protection case (AG) provides guidance on the use of covert medication for people who lack capacity and are deprived of their liberty under a DoLS authorisation. The case is also important for best interests assessors and…
Challenging Hospital Managers' Panel Decisions By Gill Weatherill We look at the impact of a recent case which clarifies the options open to Trusts where there is concern about a Hospital Managers' Panel decision to discharge a patient.
