[1]Lomas says guidance puts ‘important spotlight on the key issues’
An advice booklet produced by head injury charity Headway with support from Court of Protection lawyers at Irwin Mitchell [2] has won a major prize at the prestigious British Medical Association (BMA) Patient Information Awards.
The publication Support People To Make Decisions: Applying The Mental Capacity Act won a Highly Commended Award and received further honours in the Special Award for Mental Capacity Resources at the awards ceremony held at BMA House in London last week.
The booklet is aimed at anyone concerned about a friend or family member’s ability to make decisions and explains the Mental Capacity Act, as well as how to apply for the Court of Protection.
Julia Lomas, the national head of Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Court of Protection team, provided expert technical advice for the guidance, to Headway’s publications and research manager Richard Morris and website and social media manager Andrew Taylor.
Commenting on the award win, Julia said: “We are delighted that this booklet produced by Headway, which covers a hugely important issue, has been recognised by the British Medical Association.
“Through our work, we see numerous examples when people are not aware of the support they can get access to when they hold concerns regarding the welfare and decision-making capabilities of a loved one.
“This guidance goes some way to putting an important spotlight on the key issues which people need to know about the Mental Capacity Act and the Court of Protection.
“The award is also important recognition for the excellent work that Headway, a charity we have worked with for many years, continues to do in relation to helping vulnerable people get the support they require.”