Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Mental Capacity Act

This course is designed to assist delegates to navigate the challenging landscape of mental capacity law in the field of obstetrics. Pregnant women may lack mental capacity about decisions relating to their obstetric care for various reasons such as mental disorders, learning disability or perhaps a phobia.

In this course, delegates will cover the basics of the Mental Capacity Act and how the law should be applied in relation to specific decisions such as caesarean sections and birth plans. Related areas will also be covered such as contraception and termination of pregnancies. There will be particular consideration of those detained under the Mental Health Act and guidance on when to apply to the Court of Protection.

The course will be essential for midwives and obstetricians. Others that are likely to be involved in the care of pregnant women such as GPs, practice nurses, counsellors, social workers and psychiatrists will also find the course highly informative to ensure the safe care of pregnant women.

Learning outcomes  

By the end of the day participants will have learned:

• The key legal principles governing mental capacity issues in the context of obstetrics

• Practice issues in midwifery

• To identify when it might be necessary to make applications to the Court of Protection

Programme

The day will include the following key topics:

•          Mental Capacity Act refresher.

•          The relevant decisions in respect of sex, contraception, pregnancy and birth:                                       

•          Capacity to engage in sexual relations

•          Capacity to make decisions as to contraception

•          Capacity to make decisions as to termination of pregnancy

•          Capacity to make decisions as to caesarean sections

•          Questions of restraint in respect of a care plan

•          Birth plans, care plans and best interests

•          When to go to court?

•          Emergency cases

•          Considerations for pregnant women who are detained under the Mental Health Act

 The course will be delivered by Helen Kelsall

Helen has been a qualified social worker for over twenty years.  She started her career in Children and Family Services, before moving into Mental Health Services.  She has many years’ experience working in statutory mental health services as a Senior Practitioner in inner London community teams, carrying out Approved Mental Health Professional and Best Interests Assessor Work.   

Because of her previous experience working with children and families, Helen was particularly interested in working with women who were pregnant or had young children and were experiencing mental health difficulties.

She also has a counselling qualification and has a particular interest in the therapeutic side to social work practice.  She currently works as an Independent Social Worker, Supervisor, and trainer.

Helen has recently been working in the homelessness mental health sector, undertaking assessments with homeless people experiencing mental health problems, writing and developing guidance documents, and providing training to leading homelessness organisations.  Helen is currently a collaborator in a research project in the field of multiple exclusion homelessness and capacity. 

Helen has also worked providing clinical advice and support to the Trustees of a registered care home for people with mental health difficulties.

Includes all course materials and a certificate. Course access details will be emailed direct to delegate(s) upon completion of your booking.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email events@edgetraining.org.uk  or call 07341 277487.