Client A went into hospital following a fall. IMCA was instructed to act in relation to a Long Term Move of Accommodation decision and A’s discharge from hospital. A owned his own home however there was an ongoing court process where his home was due to be demolished as was in a very poor state of repair. A Best Interest decision was required.
Clear disagreement existed between the Health Board and the local authority in relation to A’s capacity around accommodation. IMCA asked ward staff if A had a DoLS authorisation in place, but was told one had not been applied for as the ward felt A had capacity.
The IMCA met with A, who stated his house had already been demolished. He saw he was being stopped from leaving the ward and felt like a “prisoner”.
The IMCA represented A's wishes and views, and also raised concerns around his de facto detention. A Best Interest Assessor went to see A and recommended to the supervisory body that an authorisation should be put in place.
The IMCA continued to act as a safeguard for A and ensure that not only is he fully represented, but that the MCA 2005 Code of Practice is being adhered to correctly.