Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)
IMCA is for:
- When an NHS Body or a Local Authority proposes to provide, withhold or stop serious medical treatment
- When an NHS Body or a Local Authority proposes to arrange or change accommodation
- Care reviews
- Adult protection cases
An advocate may also be required in cases where Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLs) are applied. An IMCA must be instructed:
- When an Urgent Authorisation has been made and a Standard Authorisation applied for
- When an unauthorised deprivation of liberty is being checked
- When there is a gap in the appointment of a Relative Patients Representative (RPR)
- Where the person does not have a paid ‘professional’ RPR and the relevant person, their representative or the supervisory body feel that an IMCA needs to be instructed to support the RPR role.
All Health Boards in Wales provide an IMCA service for qualifying patients in their area. ASC provides this service in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (UHB), Cardiff & Vale UHB, Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, Swansea Bay UHB & Hywel Dda UHB areas.
To find out who provides the IMCA service in the other Health Board areas of Wales, go to our Other Contacts page.
Referrals - West Wales
IMCA referrals including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) referrals can only be made by the relevant decision maker or a person authorised to make the referral on their behalf. If you are not sure of eligibility, please contact 029 2054 0444.
You can download the appropriate form by clicking on the links below. Please complete this form and return it to us by email info@ascymru.org.uk
Referrals - South East Wales
IMCA referrals can only be made by the relevant decision maker or a person authorised to make the referral on their behalf. If you are not sure of eligibility, please contact 029 2054 0444.
You can download the form by clicking on the link below. Please complete this form and return it to us by email info@ascymru.org.uk
Patient Stories
We have supported many clients with Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy. Here are just a few examples, we have anonymised as appropriate.
Not sure which service is right for you?
Our Referral Pathway flowchart will help.
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Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC)
Head Office:
Charterhouse 1, Links Business Park, Fortran Road
St Mellons, Cardiff
CF3 0LT
Singleton House, Charter Court, Phoenix Way
Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea
SA7 9DD
Tel : 029 2054 0444
Fax : 029 2073 5620
E-mail: info@ascymru.org.uk