Lawyers to Outline Medical And Care Issues
The impact on Tyneside of a new law that gave increased rights to people in care is to be discussed at a seminar this week, hosted by the region’s leading personal injury law firm.
As many as 24,700 households in the North East, along with thousands more people in hospitals that receive care, are affected by the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), which came into force last October.
The implications of the MCA for Tyneside carers will be outlined at a Legal Masterclass seminar on April 17th, 2008, hosted at the Theatre Royal Newcastle by the region’s top personal injury law firm Irwin Mitchell.
The MCA affects the way social and public healthcare professionals can make decisions on behalf of the people in their care, including stroke sufferers, those with brain injuries, learning difficulties and dementia.
Around two million people in the UK lack the capacity to make decisions for themselves, either through physical or mental illness, disability and the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. The MCA has also introduced new criminal offences of ill-treatment or neglect of people in care which can carry prison sentences of up to five years.
Patricia Hawkins, associate solicitor in Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection team, said: “This seminar will provide invaluable help to medical professionals and carers.
“The MCA seminar is aimed at anyone who has contact with vulnerable adults in their working day from local authority staff members, voluntary organisations and health professionals.
“The MCA’s introduction of new criminal offences in relation to care means everyone involved with the sector needs to be fully up to speed with the latest legislation.”
The seminar will run from 6.30pm until 8pm. For more information please contact Michelle Beynon at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0113.