Informed Consent and Mental Capacity

 

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

 

Our commitment to you

We follow Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards to make sure your care is:

  • Safe and effective
  • Respectful and caring
  • Centred around you

This means you will always be involved in decisions about your care.

 

What is informed consent?

Informed consent means:

  • You are given clear information about your care or treatment
  • You understand the benefits, risks, and other options
  • You have time to ask questions
  • You can choose what happens
  • You always have the right to say yes or no
  • You can change your mind at any time
 

How we support you 

We will:

  • Explain things in a way you can understand
  • Listen to your views and preferences
  • Respect your decisions
  • Give you time to make choices

This supports your right to person centred care.

 

How you give consent

Consent can be:

  • Verbal – saying yes
  • Written – signing a form
  • Implied – for simple procedures (e.g. rolling up your sleeve for a blood test)

We will always check that you understand before going ahead.

 

What is mental capacity?

Capacity is your ability to make a decision for yourself.

To have capacity, you need to be able to:

  • Understand the information
  • Remember it
  • Weigh up your options
  • Communicate your decision

We follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

 

What happens if you have capacity?

  • You make your own decisions
  • Your choices will be respected, even if others disagree
  • You can refuse treatment
 

What happens if you lack capacity?

If you are unable to make a decision:

  • A healthcare professional will assess your capacity
  • Any decision made will be in your best interests
  • We may involve family, carers, or advocates
  • Your previous wishes will be taken into account

We always aim to provide care in the least restrictive way.

 

Planning ahead

You can plan for the future by:

  • Making an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT)
  • Appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

This helps ensure your wishes are followed if you cannot decide later.

 

Young people and consent

  • Aged 16–17: Usually able to make their own decisions
  • Under 16: May consent if they understand their care (called Gillick competence)

We aim to:

  • Respect young people’s confidentiality
  • Encourage support from parents or carers where appropriate
  • Keep young people safe at all times
 

When treatment may happen without consent

In rare situations, care may be given without consent:

  • In a medical emergency
  • If required by law
  • If someone lacks capacity and treatment is in their best interests
 

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Clear information about your care
  • Be involved in decisions
  • Ask questions
  • Refuse treatment
  • Be treated with respect
 

Questions or concerns

If you are unsure or worried about anything, please speak to a member of our team.

You can also find more information: