The Royal College of Psychiatrists has recently produced a report that: ‘...identifies significant gaps in the care of individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health (CoSUM) disorders within UK health systems. People affected by CoSUM disorders – particularly those from vulnerable or marginalised backgrounds, often experience poorer outcomes than individuals with either condition alone, yet they make up a large proportion of those accessing mental health and su

The Court of Protection has recently published a case involving a 32 year old woman with a learning disability living in self-contained flat as part of a supported living placement. She has a relatively low level of direct support (3 hours a day) and works two days a week. It was agreed she lacked mental capacity for contact with others and the case then considers whether she has mental capacity to sexual relations and marriage/civil partnership. The case provides a helpful s

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) in England and Wales reportedly face significant stress, burnout, and moral distress due to traumatic work, conflicting pressures, and insufficient support.  Read more about this AMHP stress and burnout in Edge Trainer Dr Jill Hemmington's articles Approved Mental Health Professionals: Teamwork, ‘Safety Nets’ and ‘Buckling Under’  and Approved Mental Health Professionals’ Experiences of Moral Distress: ‘Who Are we For’? Jill is ru

A recent inspection report from the CQC covering nine mental health wards for older people at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust found a series of concerns including the use of the Mental Capacity Act. Inspectors found:   ‘Where records of capacity assessments had been made,...some of these lacked detail and so it was not possible to see whether the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act had been complied with..’  ‘...records of best interests' decision making were mostly eit

A residential substance misuse rehab service has recently been rated inadequate by the CQC and put into ‘special measures’ after inspectors found 30 breaches of CQC regulations.  One of the reasons for the inadequate rating included the lack of understanding and training of staff on the Mental Capacity Act and its application for people involved in substance misuse. The inspection report stated: ‘Most staff had a limited knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act

CQC inspectors are now regularly checking whether conditions attached to DoLS are being followed by care homes. A recent example was published on 15 August for Rose Villa nursing home. The home was rated inadequate and one of the reasons given was: ‘Where people had conditions recorded in their authorisation we could not find evidence these conditions had been actioned where required.’  The inspection was triggered ‘... in response to information we had received about the se

From 17 November , the fee to register a lasting power of attorney (LPA) will rise from £82  to £92 . The change applies unless an...

A recent coroners report has called into question the 'Right care, right person' approach to support people with mental health problems...

The Office of the Public Guardian has recently published its annual report. It provides a range of information on the work of the OPG...

A useful report has been published by the law firm DAC Beachcroft analysing prevention of future death reports by Coroners during 2024....

A recent Ombudsman finding against a local authority highlights how complaints to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman can then...

The Ombudsman has recently found a council at fault over its failure to complete an application for a community DoL from the Court of...

A recent coroners report has found a series of concerns surrounding the death of Tracey Ostler. Having taken an overdose at home,...

All AMHPs and mental health professionals should be aware of this updated guidance on suicide and safety.  View the guidance HERE ....

A recent Ombudsman report found a local authority was at fault for failing to provide a carer/relative with an appropriate support plan...

Two linked academic papers have just been published which will be of interest to those working with patients on S37/41 MHA and on...