Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DoLS)
The Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards provides a legal framework to protect vulnerable adults, who may become, or are being deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital setting. These safeguards are for people who lack capacity to decide where they need to reside to receive treatment and/or care and need to be deprived of their liberty, in their best interests, otherwise than under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MCA Code of Practice). The safeguards came into force in Wales and England on the 1st April 2009.
The DoLS Team
The DoLS team co-ordinates and manages the DoLS assessments and reviews. The DoLS Team acts on behalf of the Supervisory Bodies (Aneurin Bevan Health Board and 5 Local Authorities within the Gwent area, i.e. Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen). Team members include a DoLS co-ordinator /manager, best interests assessors and DoLS administrators. The team is also supported by a pool of best interests assessors who work for the Local Authorities or the Health Board within the Gwent area. The best interests assessors are trained nurses, occupational therapists or social workers experienced in working with people with mental health issues and learning difficulties. The DoLS team is the first point of contact for any queries or applications for a DoLS authorisation. The team can be contacted between 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. The team’s contact details are:
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Team
Aneurin Bevan Health Board
Mamhilad Park Estate
Mamhilad House
Block C
Second Floor
Room 385
Pontypool
Gwent
NP4 0YP
Tel No: 01495 745801
Email: dols.team@wales.nhs.uk